Hyperloop does not pose a threat to the aviation industry, at least in the short to medium-term future, according to Randy Tinseth, VP of marketing at Boeing Commercial Airplanes.
Speaking at the Dubai Airshow, Mr Tinseth was asked whether he views hyperloop as a threat and answered: “I think probably not in my lifetime.”
He added: “When I think about hyperloop and its capabilities — you know, I live in Seattle. It took 13 years for them to develop and build a third runway at the airport. Can you imagine the environmental impact that would be responsible to build a hyperloop that goes several hundred miles?”
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Mr Tinseth concluded: “I think it is potentially a viable technology, I think it could potentially compete at some time, but I think at this point the challenges are greater than the opportunity.”
Hyperloop promises to speed people and cargo through vast pipeline networks in pods at speeds of 750mph using magnetic technology.
Many hyperloop projects are slated to be operational in 2020, with those in Saudi Arabia and Dubai looking to be leading the field.
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