Although there are many aviation operators that are introducing themselves into advanced air mobility and that plan to update their fleets with new generation eVTOL (electric vertical take-off and landing vehicles) alternatives, the truth is that for now there are few that are considering enter fully into the business of real flying cars.
And we say “true” because there really aren’t that many alternatives that allow it to be driven on the road and also fly. One of the best-known manufacturers in this sector is called PAL-V and is of Dutch origin. Just a few days ago, it became topical again after announcing one of its most impressive sales to date.
The milestone will not only mean a boost for the commercial operations of its Liberty vehicle but most likely also for other similar proposals that combine the versatility of driving and flying with the same means of transportation. And more than 100 units of the PAL-V flying car have been acquired by the aviation operator Aviterra, based in Dubai.
This company plans to use the Liberty for urban trips and regional trips. According to the operator, the introduction of this type of vehicle in its fleet will provide greater versatility. Customers can choose to operate the vehicle themselves or choose to have a driver and pilot take care of it.
It should be remembered that the Liberty became the world’s first flying car on sale almost four years ago and attracted attention thanks to its fusion of a conventional car and a gyroplane. Officially presented as a two-seat propelled aircraft, it combines a range of about 1,300 km by road with 500 km in the air.
The vehicle was designed to fly safely at an altitude of up to 3,350 meters and also to reach up to 160 km/h maximum speed in the air, thus avoiding possible traffic jams and being able to transform into a conventional car in a matter of minutes. Aviterra is betting on this concept to revolutionize air mobility and we will probably soon see more commercial operators follow its example.
Although this air operator is based in Dubai, the company does not plan for all of the newly acquired flying cars to be destined for this city. And this important purchase of more than a hundred units is intended to supply flying cars to other areas of the Middle East as well as to the African continent.
It should not be overlooked that the PAL-V distances itself from many of the alternatives that could be considered rivals in that it is not electric. It works thanks to a combustion engine associated with a 100 liter fuel tank. If you are interested in knowing the vehicle in greater detail, you just have to take a look at the video that accompanies this article.
