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Richard Branson would have left the position of president of Virgin Hyperloop One.
In a statement, quoted by ReutersBranson said the company would need more time than he could devote to society.
"At this stage in the evolution of society, I feel that it needs a more active president, able to focus on the activities and opportunities available to him. It will be difficult for me to honor this commitment because I already spend a lot of time on my philanthropic projects and the many activities of the Virgin Group. "
What was not mentioned was the cancellation of a planned project with Saudi Arabia after Branson criticized the kingdom and suspended negotiations on a $ 1 billion investment project from the fund. the country's public investment in Virgin's space operations.
Branson is one of the business leaders who broke ties with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia following the alleged assassination and dismemberment of dissident journalist Jamal Khashoggi.
The largest investor in Virgin Hyperloop is the UAE's DP World transport and logistics company. Earlier this year, the two companies launched a joint venture in the field of logistics, which would bring the technologies of the hyperloop to the industry. DP World invested for the first time in what is now Virgin Hyperloop in 2016.
Earlier this month, Virgin Hyperloop released the results of a feasibility study conducted by Black & Veatch on the company's planned route to cross the Missouri and link St. Louis to Kansas City.
The independent report, written by global infrastructure solutions firm Black & Veatch, analyzes a proposed route for the I-70 corridor, the main highway through Missouri, and looks for opportunities for safety and sustainability by this new mode of transport.
"A feasibility study of this depth represents the first phase of updating a large-scale hyperloop-type commercial system, both for passengers and freight in the United States," said the director. General, Rob Lloyd, at the time. "We are particularly proud that Missouri, with its iconic status in the history of American transportation as the cradle of the road system, can be the keystone of a national network. The resulting socio-economic benefits will have a considerable regional and national impact. "
In the United States, Colorado and Ohio are also studying feasibility studies for Virgin Hyperloop technologies, while other projects are underway in India and the United Arab Emirates.
Developers of Hyperloop technology like Virgin Hyperloop One, Hyperloop Transportation Technologies, all inspired by the early plans developed by Elon Musk.
As we wrote at the time:
The Hyperloop is composed of tubes with a low level of pressurization that would contain pods with Inconel SpaceX alloy skis, designed to withstand high pressure and heat. The air coming out of these skis through tiny holes would create a cushion of air on which the pods would be mounted, and they would be propelled by air jet inlets. And all this would cost only about $ 6 billion, according to Musk.
We contacted a spokesperson for Virgin Hyperloop One to comment. We will keep you informed as soon as we have news.
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