It’s been more than 10 years since the promise was first made – resort workers zipping home after their shifts using personal jet packs. At the time, it seemed like a pipe dream, but recent advances in technology may finally make this a reality.
Back at that time, jet packs were the stuff of science fiction. The few working models were bulky, noisy, and prohibitively expensive. But they captured our imagination with the possibilities of individual flight. Who wouldn’t want their own personal jet pack to effortlessly soar into the sky?
As resort workers well know, transportation can be a challenge in our island nation. For those working far from home, the daily commute by boat can eat up hours of precious personal time. A jet pack could cut that journey down to minutes.
When former President Nasheed first proposed jet packs as a solution for workers’ commutes, we dared to dream, but knew it wasn’t viable. The technology was simply too limited. But in recent years, companies have made great strides in developing practical jet pack designs. Though still expensive, working models of Jetpacks are already existent.
With continued improvements in battery technology and flight control systems, jet packs are edging closer to mainstream use. Major manufacturers are taking notice, and it’s only a matter of time before mass-produced personal flight devices become available at reasonable costs.
China has proven its ability to quickly scale emerging technologies. They did the same with Solar panels. Before long, Chinese factories could begin churning out affordable jet packs. When that day comes, the decades-old vision of workers rocketing home after a long shift could finally become a reality.
Of course, there are regulatory and infrastructure considerations that will need to be addressed. But despite the remaining hurdles, the promise of jet pack commutes persists.
Ten years ago, jet packs were fantasy. Today, they’re within our grasp. And someday soon, resort workers may finally take flight for the commute home, thanks to innovation in technology sector.
The jet pack future is clearing for takeoff.
Maldives Resort Workers 