- Flying cars could launch in UAE skies by 2027, with PAL-V unveiling its two-seater vehicle capable of flying up to 500km.
- Jetex has pre-ordered over 100 units, contributing to €150 million in global pre-orders for PAL-V’s fly-and-drive mobility solution.
- SRTIP and PAL-V explore regional collaboration, including pilot training and potential flying car assembly in the UAE.
A major milestone in futuristic transport was reached on Thursday as Dutch mobility company PAL-V unveiled its flying car at the Sharjah Research Technology and Innovation Park (SRTIP). The two-seater, known for its foldable propellers and dual-mode functionality, is expected to take flight across the UAE by 2027, pending regulatory approval. Designed to operate both on roads and in the air, the vehicle needs only a 250-metre runway for takeoff and boasts a flying range of 500 kilometers.
Priced at approximately $800,000 (Dh2.9 million), the flying car has already drawn interest from various government sectors. With a payload capacity of two passengers and 20kg of luggage, the vehicle runs on a combustion engine and flies at low altitudes. Developers envision it being used in emergency medical services, border patrol, and defense sectors, citing its operational cost-efficiency and speed advantage over helicopters.
Demand is already taking off, with UAE-based Jetex placing an order for over 100 units, contributing to PAL-V’s €150 million in pre-orders globally. The company also has its sights set on training future pilots in the region, with plans to open a flight training institute in the UAE or the broader Middle East. Authorities are still deliberating the potential for private use and flying taxi services within the Emirates.
The flying car initiative arrives alongside broader advancements in air mobility within the UAE. Companies such as Archer Aviation and Joby are preparing to launch flying taxi services, with test flights scheduled in 2024 and 2025. Dubai International Vertiport (DXV), the country’s first commercial vertiport, was recently announced as a central hub for these new transport systems.
SRTIP officials expressed enthusiasm about supporting next-gen transportation technologies. They highlighted the potential impact of flying cars on sectors such as tourism, healthcare, and emergency response. With over 40,000 students and 20 educational institutions on-site, SRTIP also positioned itself as a future hub for the development and assembly of flying cars, reinforcing the UAE’s vision for sustainable and innovative mobility solutions.
