▶ TRANSPORT

Google and Facebook have been joining the project.

Ahlborn said he began Hyperloop Transport Technologies exactly four years ago and now has 800 employees, many of whom are paid in stock options. Shares are currently traded privately.

Hyperloop Transport Technologies will develop the technology for the new transport system and then license it to companies or governments to operate. Airlines could be potential operators of hyperloops, he said.

Ahlborn said the biggest issue

facing the launch of hyperloop systems around the world is legislation. He said he has been meeting with government officials to solve those problems.

“We are not a plane and we are not a train, so we need a completely new framework.’’

The company recently completed the world’s first full hyperloop feasibility study in the United Arab Emirates, he told the audience.

Ahlborn said travel on hyperloops could be free as operators have the opportunity to make money through entertainment and creating experiences, such as virtual windows.

“For you it’s an experience. For the transportation company it’s

a way of making money,’’ he said about the virtual windows.

More than 700 professionals from 32 countries are attending the expo this week to see the latest technologies impacting the travel industry. The expo runs through Friday and features more than 50 exhibitors. It’s closed to the public.

Among the items being shown are new airport kiosks and luggage X-ray machines.

Mccarran International Airport is hosting a tour of its facilities for expo attendees.

Contact Todd Prince at tprince@ reviewjournal.com or 702383-0386. Follow @toddprincetv on Twitter.