Project ALTA aims to take traffic from the streets and put it in the air
Tom Haraldsen
City Journals
If Salt Lake City is officially awarded the 2034 Olympic Winter Games, spectators may have a new way to get around to venue sites — air taxis.
Utah-based aerospace and defense industry organization 47G has launched Project ALTA, which was detailed during a press conference at Hexcel’s research and technology center in West Valley City late last month. ALTA, which stands for the Air Logistics Transportation Alliance, is working to establish an advanced air mobility (AAM) system for Utah. The project is a collaboration between 47G, the Utah governor’s office, Utah Department of Transportation and the Utah Inland Port Authority.
Think of these taxis as enlarged drone-type aircraft for transporting people and products between various locations called “vertiports.” These AAM landing sites could run the entire length of the Wasatch Front and beyond.
“From the schools and universities, to the manufacturing plants we have like here at Hexcel, the secret is out that the people here in Utah are driving the hottest economy of any state in the nation,” said Philippe Chevrier, president of Hexcel. “We appreciate our partnership with 47G, and for all you are doing to make Utah a magnet of talent and innovation.”
Aaron Starks, president and CEO of 47G, likened the innovation to that of the Wright brothers who made the first sustained flight in an aircraft in 1903.
“As the Wright brothers did at Kitty Hawk, we gather here at Hexcel every day where tremendous visionary men and women come to work to manufacture advanced materials used in the skins of many aircraft around the world,” Starks said. He said the efforts by 47G over the next 10 years are important, especially the next three, where development and maybe initial test deployment may begin for these air taxis.
“When most people think of aircraft, they usually think of airplanes that travel at great speeds and cover long distances while flying routes between airports,” Starks said. “But that has changed. Utah is already a showcase of air mobility. Utah is one of seven states in partnership with Walmart to deliver groceries via drones. In Herriman and Lindon, you can now order your favorite drinks and snacks ahead of the big game. If you live in South Jordan or within 13 miles, Zipline, in partnership with GNC and Intermountain Health, can now deliver healthcare products and supplements right to your doorstep.”
Starks said the technology making these air taxis possible is “environmentally friendly and will help the state accelerate its efforts to reduce the carbon footprint throughout the valley.”
Gov. Spencer Cox spoke at the conference, saying state officials understand the importance of aerospace, defense and cyber companies to Utah’s economy.
“We know that Utah will soon become a global leader in advanced air mobility,” Cox said. “This industry accounts for nearly 20 percent of the state’s economic activity on an annual basis. Our state has unique assets. We have growth, we have tourism, we have business, we have beautiful national parks. These novel air mobility solutions will allow Utahns to access everything Utah has to offer.”
He added that Utah “can’t continue to add lanes to our freeways, so over the next decade, we have an opportunity to reimagine what transportation can be in our state. We can’t keep widening, but we can start going vertical.”