I had this thought while at work today: When Airships become available, why not allow players to own one? I could imagine a few uses they could serve aside from party transport.

An airship could function as additional storage, like a mobile mog house. You could summon your retainers while onboard, and use it like a shop that can be accessed at whatever airship dock it is currently docked at, other players could board a ship used this way, though they would be unable to pilot it.

In addition, a player-run airship could be used for special instanced raids. As an example, you take an assignment from one of the grand companies to intercept and board a Garlean airship. You have your own ship, so you invite 7~15 other people onboard to participate in the raid, Once you board the Garlean ship, the boarding action works just like a regular dungeon.

Of course, there would be conditions to owning a ship, first you would have to aquire the parts to assemble and commission one through a series of quests. Once you have the ship, you would have to pay a one-time fee to register it at a dock. In addition, the ship would need regular maitenance and upkeep, let it deteriorate below a certain point, and you will not be allowed to leave the dock.

Feel free to add any thoughts over whether this would be a good or bad idea.