(CNN) – A fantasy video showing a giant flying hotel that can stay in the sky for years has caused an internet sensation, despite being beyond the realms of current technology and defying the laws of physics.
However, Yemeni engineer Hashem Al-Ghaili, who created the Sky Cruise video concept based on a futuristic design by artist Alexander Tujicov, insists it is only “a matter of time” before aviation engineering catches up to his vision.
And, he says, his quirky concept will help push the boundaries of what’s possible.
Al Ghaili told CNN that he wants Sky Cruise to be a talking point to inspire new innovations that will help replace the “tedious” and “outdated” experience of flying today.
“Therefore, I envisioned a world where flying from one place to another became a joyful experience, instead of fighting for legroom,” he said via email.
‘Castle in the Sky’
The Sky Cruise would have room for 5,000 guests, says Hashem Al Ghaili.
Hashem Al-Ghaili, via YouTube
Al Ghaili says he got his inspiration from one of his favorite films, Studio Ghibli’s Castle in the Sky anime, which features massive flying ships with people living inside.
Like those ships, Sky Cruise is on a grand scale, with room for around 5,000 guests and recreational facilities such as cinemas, swimming pools, spas and even shopping malls.
Sky Cruise would run on clean nuclear fusion power — technology that doesn’t currently exist — which would allow it to “stay above the clouds for several years,” says Al Ghaili.
Supplies and guests would be brought to the hotel using commercial electric jets and private jets, he adds.
Turning this concept into reality is only “a matter of time” according to the engineer. However, due to its large size, it would need new infrastructure and adjustments from the aviation industry.
“Cruise Sky is super massive!” he says. “That means it will need a big runway that doesn’t exist now.”
‘Destructive Concepts’
A lounge is part of the futuristic design.
Hashem Al-Ghaili, via YouTube
Not only that, but it would also require changes to air navigation protocols to ensure other sky traffic navigates out of its way.
Not everyone shares Al Ghaili’s belief in the potential of extraordinary design, with some of his 30 million Facebook followers pointing out fundamental flaws in Sky Cruise’s design.
“Nuclear or not, gravity is never letting that thing off the ground,” wrote one. Some questioned the wisdom of sending a nuclear reactor into the air, while another pointed to a very simple problem: keeping the water in the pool during liftoff.
“Disruptive concepts like this inspire change and help us push humanity forward,” he says.
