Design of the Skyvan, originally known as the Short PD-36, began as a private venture in 1959 at Shorts Light Aircraft Division.

Alberto Santos-Dumont (1873-1932) was a wealthy Brazilian living in Paris, France and he played an important part in promoting the design and construction of airships for some years from 1898, and was one of the first ‘Aeronauts’ to build and fly an airship in controlled and sustained flight.