ISO Polar Mission Statement

To encourage the development of airship technology for sustainable transportation and logistics in the Northern Latitudes.

Strategic Objectives

Support projects and programs for airship development, including testing of new technologies, cold weather testing, research and development initiatives and demonstrations of current technology;

Develop strategic plans aimed at strengthening the scientific and technological advancement of the use of airships and facilitating membership implementation of those plans;

Create a cluster of companies that will make Canada a focal point for applied airship technology & innovation, cold weather airship testing, and pilot certification. Such a cluster will minimize supply lines, strengthen interrelated sectors such as airship manufacture, maintenance, freighting, aerodromes and inter-modal connection facilities;

Increase access to remote northern communities and developments without rail or all weather road in order to improve the standard of living for northern residents through reductions in infrastructure costs and logistical expenses; and,

Reduce the direct environmental impact of transportation, including air pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, water pollution, wildlife endangerment and habitat destruction.

Specific Objectives

Facilitate dialogue for sector stakeholders to identify and meet their common needs for engineering, technology development, testing, education, training, navigation and professional development;

Undertake economic feasibility analyses of airship innovations and assist in the building of business cases to help members develop market opportunities;

Support the linkage of other transportation sectors (rail and trucking) with similar scientific, technological or related needs and develop joint approaches (seamless inter-modal terminals) towards airships meeting those needs;

Encourage and support the establishment of uniform airship regulations, pilot certification and navigational procedures within Canada;

Serve as a linkage and a conduit between the airship community and universities or other research institutions;

Advocate for the formation of Canadian "Centres of Excellence" in airship research, sciences, education and training; and,

Organize, trade shows and demonstrations that feature and promote recent developments and applications in airship technology that can benefit commerce in Canada.