In May 1999, the production of the components for the first production airship was started. In February 2000, the support structure assembly of the first series airship was completed, while the envelope was attached to the support structure in May that year. In 2001, the company formally commenced series manufacturing of the Zeppelin NT, and began the commercial exploitation of the airships. In April 2001, the Luftfahrt-Bundesamt issued type certification for the Zeppelin NT 07, a key step towards commercial operations; that same month, ZLT became a certified airship-manufacturing company. On 19 May 2001, the first production airship conducted its maiden flight, flying for two and a half hours. On 10 August 2001, the first production airship "SN 02" was christened "D-LZZR Bodensee" by Carl, Duke of Württemberg; five days later, it began providing commercial passenger services, initially involving 1-hour sightseeing flights over Lake Constance to members of the public up to ten times per day.