On Monday, December 19, 2011, the first Manitoba-built airship will be unveiled to media and the public.

Built by Buoyant Aircraft Systems International (BASI) and ISO Polar, a non-profit research institute, the unveiling of the large aerial craft is expected to encourage the development of airship technology for sustainable transportation and logistics applications in the North.

The University of Manitoba is hosting an announcement of airship research collaboration with Red River College, Buoyant Aircraft Systems International and Manitoba Hydro. Dr. Barry Prentice, Transport Institute, I.H. Asper School of Business, is leading this research initiative.

Where: Atrium, EITC (Engineering & Information Technology Complex),
75 Chancellor’s Circle, Fort Garry Campus, University of Manitoba
Date: Monday, December 19, 2011
Time: 2:00 pm (1:30 pm for media)

Media are invited 30 minutes before the news conference to view the final inflation with helium of the 80-foot, single pilot airship in the EITC atrium. The airship will hover “ready for flight” during the news conference.