PAL-V unveils two-seater flying car in Sharjah, set for 2027 launch

DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES: The vision of flying cars is moving closer to reality in the UAE, as the Dutch mobility firm PAL-V showcased its two-seater flying car in Sharjah on Thursday.

This ‘flydrive mobility car’ is designed to take off from a 250-meter runway and features foldable propellers, allowing it to transition from a flying vehicle to a road-legal car. PAL-V anticipates that the vehicle will be airworthy by 2027, subject to approval from local regulatory bodies.

Priced at a base of $800,000 (approximately Dh2.9 million), the flying car can accommodate two passengers and carry up to 20 kilogrammes of baggage. With a combustion engine, it boasts a maximum range of 500 kilometres on a full tank of fuel and is intended to operate at low altitudes, making it suitable for emergency medical services, border surveillance, and military functions.

Robert Dingemanse, CEO and co-founder of PAL-V, described the vehicle as a more efficient and economical alternative to helicopters, with the unique benefit of being able to utilize existing infrastructure. “It’s less expensive than a helicopter, can land in various locations, and always has a driving option,” Dingemanse stated.

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The flying car could potentially serve as a flying taxi, contingent upon rulings from UAE authorities. PAL-V also plans to establish a pilot training facility in the UAE or the broader Middle East region.

According to Khaleej Times, the company has secured pre-orders exceeding 150 million euros, including a significant order for over 100 units from UAE-based aviation firm Jetex, and hopes to introduce more environmentally friendly models, including four-seater flying cars in future.

PAL-V is not the only player in the pursuit of flying taxis in the UAE, as Archer Aviation and Joby Aviation are also working on initiatives in the region. Archer intends to conduct test flights of its Midnight aircraft in the UAE this summer.

The UAE is taking proactive measures to embrace this new transportation technology. In January 2025, the nation will launch its first commercial vertiport for flying taxis, named Dubai International Vertiport (DXV), which will serve both Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

Hussain Almahmoudi, CEO of the Sharjah Research Technology and Innovation Park (SRTIP), emphasized the importance of flying cars in the context of sustainable transportation in the region.

“As the country evolves, we require various transport modalities, and innovations like this can be utilized in tourism, healthcare, and rescue missions,” Almahmoudi commented. The SRTIP is also investigating potential collaboration with PAL-V to establish an assembly facility for its flying vehicles. This park is home to more than 20 educational institutions and 40,000 students, equipped with advanced manufacturing labs for cutting-edge technologies.