ZIP World’s “Skyflyer” has taken to the skies over Rhyl as the company continues its efforts to launch the long-awaited attraction after multiple delays.
The airship, to be located along the town’s beachfront, was re-inflated a fortnight ago, was sent up in the air for a test ride this morning (July 13).
It had previously been due to open last summer, and then in March of this year.
When contacted by the Journal today, Zip World said it had no update as yet on potential timescales for its opening to the public following these latest tests on the attraction.
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Zip World's Skyflyer is inflated again on Rhyl's seafront
Should it get off the ground, the Skyflyer will take passengers 400ft in the air to enjoy panoramic views of the coast of North Wales and beyond.
It was initially inflated prior to an August launch, but was then delayed until 2023 due to an “engineering and design challenge” found during testing.
But after a revised opening date of March 11 was set, this was also postponed just days prior to this.
Last month, a Zip World spokesperson said: "Now inflated, the aerostat will be undergoing rigorous testing for the foreseeable future.
"As a company from North Wales, we’re so proud to invest in Rhyl, creating new jobs and opportunities along the way whilst also supporting local businesses and communities.
"We look forward to being able to supply further Skyflyer updates in due course."
On a clear day, passengers on the Skyflyer will be able to see all the way to Liverpool and the Wirral, including the peaks of Moel Famau and Snowdonia.
It takes three minutes to fully ascend, and the ride is accessible to wheelchair users, people with other disability needs, people of all ages, and dogs.
The £2.5million project involves a 32-metre inflated balloon that takes 6,750 cubic metres of high-grade helium to inflate.
Automatically controlled while not in operation, the aerostat can face into prevailing winds even when in its moored position using a rotating platform.
And its viewing platform, which is attached below the envelope, can carry up to 28 passengers at a time with a total payload of 2,500kg.
Its 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 will be able to be booked by visiting Zip World’s website.
Its operational hours are set to be from 9am-8pm in summer, and 10am-3pm during the winter.
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