Instead of using hydrogen to lift the great dirigibles, Dr. Eckner wanted to use helium. But America, the only country with significant helium stockpiles, could not sell it to Eckner. A law, passed by the Congress in 1924, would not allow the sale of helium to Germany. The new airship, LZ 129, would be forced to use hydrogen.

Work commenced on the massive ship in 1931. At 803.8 feet long, with a diameter (at its largest point) of 135.1 feet, it was about 78 feet shorter than the Titanic. It held 7,062,100 cubic feet of gas. Its 16 gas cells were individually coated to prevent leaks. LZ 129 was powered by four 16-cylinder diesel engines. Each could achieve 1300 horse power for five minutes at take off and 850 HP for cruising.

Her control car included three separate areas, while all 50 passengers could simultaneously observe spectacular views from the promenade. Intended to rival luxury ships that crossed the Atlantic in 1-2 weeks, LZ 129 offered customers suitable rooms and quick passage (2½ - 3 days). Flying over Frankfurt, it was a sight to behold.

The great rigid airship was ultimately named the Hindenburg, after the country’s former President who, although he had defeated Hitler in 1932, gave in to Nazi pressure to make Hitler Chancellor. When von Hindenburg died in 1934, Hitler was the unchallenged ruler. And the new airship, bearing the name of the former President and the symbol of the Third Reich, was the pride of Hitler's government.