Channel 2 news in Alaska has the story. The first of Straightline's Hybrid Airships will be heading to Alaska, while the rest of the 12 on order will be heading to different parts of the world to test feasibility.
It makes sense to try and get Alaska first, not just because it's an environment that's hard for everything else to work in, but also because Alaska is a sure market with wealthy customers who are willing to pay for the premiums of getting their stuff delivered on time.
Africa and Sybira are higher risk markets and while that will not discourage Airships in the long run, it makes sense from a business prospective to go after markets that are guaranteed to generate income first as to generate funding for higher risk ventures.
Africa is a market that badly needs airships, but the possibility of making a return on investment are very low at the start. Only after trade routs are established and after markets develop that are unaffected by the non-stop civil wars, Evil governments and lack of roads, then we will see a lot of money being made by Airships in Africa, probably more money then anywhere else really.
But in order for Straightline to penetrate that market, they need to have the capital to invest in the initial program that will definitely be running cargo at a loss to begin with. To support that endeavor they need money, and that means markets that are sure bets, like Alaska.
The next sure bet market is Canada, so smart money says their 2nd Airship will be heading there.
P.S. Did anyone else cringe when the reporter said "...the new vehicle is called, The Airship." That's kinda like saying to the DMV when they ask "What is your vehicle's make?" you answer "car." Geez reporting has gotten bad in this day and age.
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