Amsterdam Schiphol today confirmed that it is still looking at introducing a revolutionary ‘Hyperloop’ ground transport link in the future.
The new transport system essentially involves pods capable of holding people, freight and cars being transported at super high speeds inside sealed tubes, that theoretically make it possible to travel hundreds of kilometre distances in minutes rather than hours.
First mooted by the airport in 2018, Schiphol has announced that it is to expand its involvement in hyperloop by continuing the partnership with Dutch hyperloop company, Hardt Hyperloop.
Since the initial talks, the airport says that both parties have conducted a joint study which shows hyperloop can play a major role in Schiphol becoming the envisioned sustainable multi-modal hub.
The study predicts that hyperloop can substitute up to 12.5 million of the passengers that will travel through Schiphol by 2050.
The partners have released a joint study that shows how hyperloop can emerge as a new sustainable mode of high-speed travel and shows hyperloop can replace a share of Schiphol’s short-haul flights in 2050.
The study proposes an initial network that connects Schiphol with the main neighbouring airports of Germany, Belgium, France and the UK that currently have direct flight connections.
Hardt projects that by 2050, up to 73 million people will be flying between the major cities in this network.
According to the study, hyperloop would be able to substitute up to 12.5 million of the passengers that will travel through Schiphol by 2050.
“The aviation industry has found itself in an unprecedented situation. The recovery will take years, but continuing to invest in innovation and sustainability has great significance,” says Hassan Charaf, head of innovation at the Royal Schiphol Group.
“We feel it’s important to participate in any promising mobility-related developments to meet the demand for sustainable transport in the future. I am proud we’ve partnered with Hardt to review hyperloop opportunities for a multi-modal hub.”
The Dutch gateway notes that substituting short-haul flights with hyperloop will free up capacity, which could be utilised to maintain Schiphol’s role as a leading European airport hub.
Next steps
Schiphol and Hardt aim to realise the potential developments outlined in the study by extending their collaboration as they proceed with and expand their research.
In addition, Hardt is in talks with other parties and authorities to ensure hyperloop will play a central role in a sustainable high-speed transport network in Europe.
Stefan Marges, Hardt Hyperloop’s study lead, says: “In the transition to a carbon neutral society it is crucial to not only improve existing modalities, but also to explore alternative, innovative mobility solutions.
“This study shows that hyperloop is a valuable addition to the future transportation landscape. In particular it lays the foundation for hyperloop to become a successful mode of sustainable transport in the years ahead.
“Partnerships, co-development and public-private collaboration are essential elements to spark such a breakthrough technology.
“We highly appreciate Royal Schiphol Group’s progressiveness in exploring innovative solutions such as hyperloop in the pursuit of becoming the world’s most sustainable airport.”
In conducting this study, Hardt and Schiphol were supported by Royal BAM Group, UNStudio, CE Delft, Stibbe, AirportCreators & Dutch Boosting Group and SEO Amsterdam Economics (advisory role).