Video: Hyperloop successfully tests first passenger ride

Virgin Hyperloop made history today as first passengers successfully travelled in a super-high-speed levitating pod.

The significant investment made by Dubai-based DP World in the research and development of hyperloop technology has played an instrumental role in today’s milestone.

Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Chairman of Virgin Hyperloop and Group Chairman and CEO of DP World, watched the passenger testing first-hand at the 500-meter DevLoop test site in Las Vegas, Nevada, where the company has previously run over 400 un-occupied tests. 

With investment from #Dubai-based @DP_World, @virginhyperloop makes history today as the first passengers successfully traveled in a Hyperloop pod, a significant milestone for hyperloop technology. pic.twitter.com/AtciQ5Qayv

— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) November 9, 2020

"I had the true pleasure of seeing history being made before my very eyes – to witness the first new mode of mass transportation in over 100 years come to life," he said. 

"DP World and Dubai are at the forefront of technological innovation in the transport and logistics industry. The world has been changing quickly and we wanted to be involved in the potential this mode of mass transportation presents, to connect markets and economies, keep trade flowing and help build the global economy’s next phase to accelerate growth," he added.

Sultan bin Sulayem: @DP_World and #Dubai are at the forefront of tech innovation in the transport and logistics industry. The world has been changing quickly & we wanted to be involved in the potential this mode of mass transportation presents, to connect markets & economies. pic.twitter.com/vscQiTeaFb

— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) November 9, 2020

The historic testing milestone, combined with the advancements at the Hyperloop Certification Center, will pave the way for the certification of hyperloop systems around the world – a key step towards commercial projects, including those in Saudi Arabia and the UAE.

Josh Giegel, Co-Founder and Chief Technology Officer, and Sara Luchian, Director of Passenger Experience of Virgin Hyperloop, were the first to ride the newly-unveiled XP-2 vehicle. Designed by Bjarke Ingels Group, it's custom-built with occupant safety and comfort in mind.

With investment from #Dubai-based @DP_World, @virginhyperloop makes history today as the first passengers successfully traveled in a Hyperloop pod.
https://t.co/s2ripRUcmh pic.twitter.com/Djt9vxEOhu

— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) November 9, 2020

"I can’t tell you how often I get asked 'is hyperloop safe?'" said Jay Walder, CEO of Virgin Hyperloop. "With today’s passenger testing, we have successfully answered this question, demonstrating that not only can Virgin Hyperloop safely put a person in a pod in a vacuum environment but that the company has a thoughtful approach to safety which has been validated by an independent third party.”

Virgin Hyperloop continues to be active in the Gulf region. 

Saudi Arabia is conducting 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. 

Virgin Hyperloop had earlier announced a partnership with Abu Dhabi’s Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI) to support the development of hyperloop technology and sustainable transportation.