Flying Cars And Taxis Set To Take Over UAE Skies
The future is here! The times when flying cars were the first image coming to mind when thinking of a far distant, technologically-advanced utopia are closer to the current reality than you might think…
Flying cars and taxis in the region: Bazaar Arabia shares everything we know so far…
Flying over the region and seeing its iconic landmarks from above sounds like a glamorous dream that will soon become a reality.
Not only will it make for a leisurely activity but will solve a common problem of gridlocked traffic faced by residents each day.
This was the idea touted by Dubai-based aviation company Aviterra, which is set to launch flying cars in the Middle East and Africa.
This week, it was announced that the aerospace conglomerate signed a deal with Dutch aircraft manufacturer PAL-V for the purchase of 100 of their Liberty flying cars.
Known as the world’s first flying car, the innovative three-wheeled, two-seater vehicle is described as a combination between a gyroplane and a car.
According to Mouhanad Wadaa, managing director of Aviterra, the Pal-V Liberty seamless transforms from a road vehicle into an aircraft within two minutes, as reported by Khaleej Times.
On the road, the aircraft’s propellers and rear flaps are stored on the roof and in the back of the vehicle, allowing the vehicle to function as a normal car that can be driven and parked in a standard parking lot.
As an aircraft, the Liberty has a flight range of 500 km and a maximum speed of 180 km/h. It can reach an altitude of up to 11 000 feet and requires a 120 meter airstrip in order to take off.
“The PAL-V Liberty is the perfect tool for our customers’ regional travel requirements, offering a combination of flying and driving,” said Mouhanad in a press statement.
It was also revealed that that flying cars will initially be intended for private and government use, taking people from door-to-door. People will need to receive training before being able to drive and fly it.
The news comes as the latest in a series of announcements relating flying cars and transportation in the region over the years.
Last year, it was announced that flying taxis could be infiltrating Dubai skies buy 2026.
Residents, as well as tourists, could go to one of four vertiports in Dubai to take a flying taxi, according to the Khaleej Times. The so-called vertiports that serve as stations for the vehicles are planned for Downtown Dubai, near the Burj Khalifa, Dubai Marina, Dubai International Airport and Palm Jumeirah.
The aircraft itself was unveiled at the World Government Summit, where attendants could experience a simulator to get a feeling for the new form of public transportation. The interior shows similarities with a high-tech race car with a control stick and a dashboard showing all essential factors that need to be closely watched when navigating the aircraft.
The taxis are made to fit four passengers and a pilot and are powered by electricity to be environmentally friendly. The aircraft will have top speeds of 300kmph, have a maximum range of 241km. To guarantee the aircraft is up to the highest standards, the RTA is working with the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, the General Civil Aviation Authority, and the Dubai Air Navigation Services. In addition, the RTA will develop the flight paths for the taxis and ensure they are equipped to keep passengers and pilots safe.
This technological development will make Dubai the first city with a fully developed network of vertiports.
Lead Image Courtesy Of @dubaidevelopments on Instagram
This article was originally published in February 2023. It was updated republished by Farah Khalfe on March 29, 2024.