[@Skepic]Hate to steal your thunder but my elves also have bird-like characteristics and noted to be leading in aviation technology.
Of course there are no absolutes but in these aspects we may be too similar.
At least I hope you don't have giant birds to ride into battles...you'd be actually the [b][u]third[/u][/b] nation to do that.
Then again given your birdish characteristics I think it may even make the most sense for you.

Anyways, I'm not saying you can't do this. I'm no GM and there are numerous way to make things stand out. I just say you have quite a competition. Then again elves don't rely so much on airships as their bodies are made for high speeds. They'll be investing more in airplanes while airships would either be used for less notable purposes.