PREPARATIONS are underway for the launch of a major new attraction in Rhyl, as Zip World’s “Skyflyer” was inflated in the town last night (March 2).
The airship, to be located along the town’s beachfront, will open to the public on Saturday, March 11.
Zip World said its inflation last night took roughly six hours to complete.
It was due to open last summer, and was initially inflated prior to an August launch, but was then delayed until 2023 due to an “engineering and design challenge” found during testing.
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The 20th adventure launched by Zip World, which operates adventure experiences at five locations in Wales, the Skyflyer takes passengers 400ft in the air to enjoy panoramic views of the coast of North Wales and beyond.
On a clear day, passengers can see all the way to Liverpool and the Wirral, including the peaks of Moel Famau and Snowdonia.
The ascent takes three minutes and the ride is accessible to wheelchair users, people with other disability needs, people of all ages, and dogs.
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The £2.5million project has created an initial 11 full-time employment jobs.
The aerostat’s unique design comprises a 32-metre inflated balloon that takes 6,750 cubic metres of high-grade helium to inflate.
The aerostat is automatically controlled while not in operation, meaning it can face into prevailing winds even when in its moored position using a rotating platform.
The viewing platform, which is attached below the envelope, can carry up to 28 passengers at a time with a total payload of 2,500kg.
The maximum capacity is 112 passengers per hour, with each flight lasting about 15 minutes.
Brave passengers can experience vertical views through a glass floor section that has been integrated into the platform design.
Skyflyer flights can be booked by visiting Zip World’s website.
Its operational hours will be from 9am-8pm in summer, and 10am-3pm during the winter.
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