DUBAI: Richard Branson is quitting as chairman of Virgin Hyperloop One after saying the company, that plans to build a supersonic transport system in the UAE and other countries, needs a more actively involved leader, a statement confirmed on Monday.
“At this stage in the company’s evolution, I feel it needs a more hands-on Chair, who can focus on the business and these opportunities,” the statement quoted Branson as saying.
“It will be difficult for me to fulfil that commitment as I already devote significant time to my philanthropic ventures and the many businesses within the Virgin Group.”
Virgin Hyperloop One’s biggest shareholder, Dubai’s DP World, said the company was seeking a new chairman.
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Richard Branson steps down from role as chairman of Virgin Hyperloop
Richard Branson steps down from role as chairman of Virgin Hyperloop
- Branson says the company, that plans to build a supersonic transport system in the United Arab Emirates and other countries, needs a more actively involved leader
- Virgin Hyperloop One’s biggest shareholder, Dubai’s DP World, said the company was seeking a new chairman
Operational challenges bring Riyadh Airport to a near standstill
- Airlines issue statements, while sources tell Arab News rain is to blame
RIYADH: Thousands of passengers travelling to and from King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh were left stranded as major airlines struggled to offer alternative flights following a slew of cancellations and delays.
Saudia and flyadeal were among the aviation firms who faced difficulties, with the two airlines putting out statements blaming temporary operational challenges for the issues.
A statement from the airport on its official X account urged travelers to contact airlines directly before heading to the aviation hub to verify the updated status and timing of their flights.
The statement said: “King Khalid International Airport would like to inform you that, due to the concurrence of a number of operational factors over the past two days —including several flights diverting from other airports to King Khalid International Airport, in addition to scheduled maintenance works within the fuel supply system — this has resulted in an impact on the schedules of some flights, including the delay or cancellation of a number of flights operated by certain airlines.”
The airport added that operational teams are working “around the clock in close coordination with our airline partners and relevant stakeholders to address developments and restore operational regularity as soon as possible”, while taking all necessary measures to minimize any impact on the passenger experience.
Airport sources told Arab News that the issue has to do with the heavy rain Riyadh experienced earlier on Friday. Water apparently got into the fuel tankers supposed to refuel jets before they fly, and then several airlines struggled to re-schedule passengers.
It its own statement on X, Saudia said: “Affected guests are being contacted through various communication chanels, with all ticket changes processed at no additional cost.”
Arab News reached out to Saudia for further information.
Also in a post on X, flyadeal said any of it passengers impacted by the disruption “will be notified directly by emails and SMS with rebooking and support options.”
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