My knowledge of Skies of Arcadia is that I played it for an hour or so at a friend's house when I was... 12?? so like, 24 years ago??? but it left a very positive impression on me.

Faris is ALSO a pirate and while not specifically an airship pirate, has flown on an airship, so he'd be super interested in any airship plans. In the meantime, Great Escape sounds like a really fun way for them to meet each other!