When will we get to build airships?

What gameplay role will they serve? I would be depressed if they are just an alternate house.

I have played MMOs for years, and always dreamed of being able to build an airship that my guild and I could ride around the world the way flying mounts in WoW work. I imagine it would result in a player city of airships docked above the clouds.

Also, will we be able to use airships in some kind of guild vs guild PVP system? It would be really cool to be able to fire cannons at other player airships!