What do you do when you already own a jet? Apparently, build a private airport. That’s what Elon Musk is reportedly planning to do to provide space for his and his companies’ aircrafts.
According to Austonia – a local publication in Austin, Texas – the billionaire is developing plans to construct an airport somewhere east of the town. Multiple sources confirmed to the outlet that the airport is in the planning stages.
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Elon hopes to use the airport for his myriad of companies, including Tesla, SpaceX, and The Boring Company, which largely operate out of Texas. For example, both TeslaX and The Boring Company recently relocated their headquarters near Austin.
Elon owns several thousands of acres in Central Texas, mainly along the Colorado River. It’s suspected the airport may be constructed there.
Much is unknown about the airport plans, including the timing and budget for the project. It’s also not clear how much space Elon would require. For comparison, the Austin Executive Airport has mor than 130,000 square feet of hangar space in addition to a 6,000-foot runway.
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Elon may be the richest man in the world, but constructing an airport is no easy task. Teslarati notes that he needs both EPA and FAA approval. It’s unclear if he’s applied for either.
Elon’s alleged plans to build an airport come shortly after he was criticized for his private jet usage. Last week, the businessman faced backlash after he was exposed for taking several minutes-long trips on his jet, including some only lasting minutes.
The Twitter account @ElonJet publishes information on all of Elon’s travels via plane. The account is run by Jack Sweeney, a 19-year-old student who runs 30 similar accounts, including @CelebJets.
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Recently, Sweeney revealed the Elon has used his jet to travel only 4 minutes – a trip that would’ve been only slightly longer via car. Elon’s jet can produce more carbon gas emissions in a single trip than some people do in an entire year.
“I’m not really [surprised] people react,” Sweeney explained. “There are so many reasons they have to be surprised. The fact that [flights] are even trackable, that it’s a celebrity and it’s a quick flight.”
Elon previously offered the teen $5,000 to stop tracking his flights on Twitter, though Sweeney declined the offer.
A handful of other celebrities have received backlash recently for taking minute-long trips on their jets, including Kylie Jenner, Drake, and even Taylor Swift.
Sources: Austonia, Teslarati, CNBC,
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