DUBAI, UAE: – Building on recent momentum in the Gulf region, Virgin Hyperloop, the category leader in hyperloop technology, today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL), operator of the award-winning Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru (KIAB/ BLR Airport). 

The MoU was exchanged virtually between Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Chairman of Virgin Hyperloop, and T.M. Vijay Bhaskar, IAS, Chief Secretary, Government of Karnataka and Chairman of the Board of Directors at Bangalore International Airport Limited, in the presence of Kapil Mohan, IAS, Principal Secretary, Infrastructure Development Department, Government of Karnataka.

"Beyond just the transit of passengers, airports are crucial conduits for goods, especially time-sensitive deliveries. A hyperloop-connected airport would dramatically improve the delivery of cargo and create an ultra-efficient supply chain" said Sultan bin Sulayem, Chairman of Virgin Hyperloop and Group Chairman and CEO of DP World. "We are honored to partner with Bangalore International Airport Limited to explore how hyperloop can become a part of the solution to tackle congestion and support economic growth in the region."

The pre-feasibility study, which focuses on technical, economic and route feasibility, is expected to be completed in 2 phases of six months each. With speeds of up to 1,080 km/h, hyperloop could transport thousands of passengers per hour from BLR Airport to the city center in under 10 minutes, compared to more than 45 minutes by road, according to the preliminary analysis.

Virgin Hyperloop continues to be active in the Gulf region. Saudi Arabia is leading the world with a first-of-its-kind national hyperloop study to evaluate how a hyperloop carrying both passenger and cargo could spark economic benefits, create jobs and develop high-tech skills. The study, commissioned by Saudi Minister of Transport Saleh bin Nasser Al-Jasser, will lay the groundwork for a network of hyperloop routes to be considered ‎across Saudi Arabia.

Virgin Hyperloop also announced a partnership with Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI) to support the development of hyperloop technology and sustainable transportation through advanced A.I. research.

-Ends-

About Virgin Hyperloop

Virgin Hyperloop is the only company in the world that has successfully tested hyperloop technology at scale, launching the first new mode of mass transportation in over 100 years. The company successfully operated a full-scale hyperloop vehicle using electric propulsion and electromagnetic levitation under near-vacuum conditions, realizing a fundamentally new form of transportation that is faster, safer, cheaper, and more sustainable than existing modes. The company is now working with governments, partners, and investors around the world to make hyperloop a reality in years, not decades. Learn more about Virgin Hyperloop's technology, vision, and ongoing projects here.

About Bangalore International Airport Limited

Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL) is a public limited company – formed under The Companies Act – to build, own and operate the Greenfield Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru (BLR Airport) for a 30-year concession period. BLR Airport is the first Greenfield airport in India to be built as a private-public partnership. Private promoters hold 74% (Fairfax 54% and Siemens Projects Ventures 20%) stake in BIAL, while the government holds the remaining 26% (Karnataka State Industrial & Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited – 13%, Airport Authority of India – 13%). 

The Airport began operations in May 2008 and plays a key role in driving the economy of the region – offering a wide air-route network, with over 37 passenger airlines and 14 cargo airlines connecting Bengaluru to the rest of the world. It is currently the busiest airport in South India and the third largest in the Country, having welcomed 33.65 million passengers in CY 2019. BLR Airport was recognised as the Best Regional Airport in India & Central Asia at the 2020 SKYTRAX World Airport Awards, for the fifth time in 11 years. In 2018, BLR Airport became the first Airport in the World to win the ACI-ASQ awards for both arrivals and departures, and retained the award in 2019. For more information log on to www.bengaluruairport.com     

Media Contacts
Virgin Hyperloop
Ryan Kelly
Vice President of Marketing and Communications
press@virginhyperloop.com
+1 (610) 442-1896

Bangalore International Airport Limited
Archana Muthappa
Head - Corporate Communications
archana@bialairport.com
+91 95388 82761

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