uSky
uSky Transport is one of several emerging companies aiming to challenge the established leaders in the gondola and cable transport industry. Originally founded as SkyWay by Anatoli Unitsky in Belarus in 2018, the company is developing cable and rail-based transportation systems intended for both passenger and cargo applications.
A central aspect of uSky’s approach is its proprietary "string rail" technology. This system integrates elements of traditional concrete and steel guideway infrastructure with rail sections connected by pre-stressed ropeway cables encased in filler material and topped with a rail head. The resulting structure is presented as a hybrid between cable and rail systems.
The rationale behind fully encasing the ropeway cable is not clearly explained in available technical documentation. One possibility is that this design increases guideway rigidity, potentially supporting their higher operational speed claims - reportedly up to 150 kph. However, questions remain regarding how standard industry practices such as cable fatigue management, tensioning, and replacement are handled within an encased ropeway system.
Below is an illustration of the three main infrastructure types developed by uSky.
uSky has certainly put forth a bold and expansive vision, showcasing multiple “pod” options as well as demonstrations of cargo and logistics movement. Back in July 2021, CNN Business posted this short video about the company and their ambitions:
Here’s another video that shows their vision for how the transport system would integrate into existing urban landscapes. uSky’s promotional material has tended to blend what appears to be test builds with computer-generated and AI renders - making it hard to know where they actually are when it comes to technical development. In addition to stations and layered vertical network ideas, this video is one that includes an example of how they would be able to make turns:
uSky Transport presents an ambitious vision for aerial transit and continues to advance its development efforts. For supporters of urban supergondola technology, the company’s progress offers reason for cautious optimism. However, uSky's history has been marked by controversy, particularly confusion surrounding its origins and past associations with investment schemes, as reported in an investigative piece by the Associated Press.
Is it a supergondola?
If realized as described, uSky’s system aligns with several key characteristics of the supergondola concept. It combines cable-based elements (albeit ones encased in metal and filler) with rail technology to create an elevated transit system. Their smaller vehicle models, or "pods," suggest a system aimed at providing flexible, potentially on-demand service. However, the current designs appear to support a commuter rail-style experience rather than a fully individualized, ride-hailing model.
Additionally, some technical aspects raise questions about urban feasibility. For instance, available demonstrations show the pods requiring a very large turning radius, which could limit integration into dense urban environments. Despite this, the overall system architecture incorporates many of the foundational elements that define urban supergondola transit concepts.
When will it happen?
uSky currently operates a development facility at the Sharjah Research Technology and Innovation Park in the United Arab Emirates and has announced a proposed project in Nepal with a projected opening in 2028. While the company remains active, questions persist regarding the transparency of its partnerships and long-term viability.
Whether uSky's vision will materialize in the form of a functioning urban supergondola system remains to be seen. Given the mix of promising innovation and past controversy, the company’s future is a little fuzzy. But, we’re definitely going to be keeping a close watch on them for sure.