Dubai firm signs “historic” deal with Dutch-based PAL-V, orders over 100 flying cars

Dubai-based Aviterra, an aviation and aerospace component manufacturing firm, has inked a deal with PAL-V, a Dutch company that designs roadable aircraft, to introduce the Liberty flying car to the Middle East and Africa.

The agreement includes Aviterra acquiring more than 100 PAL-V Liberty flying cars, making an investment, and establishing a strategic partnership for the region.

Mouhanad Wadaa, MD of Aviterra, says, “The PAL-V is the perfect tool for our customers’ regional travel requirements, offering a combination of flying and driving. It’s truly an innovation that will change mobility as we know it.”

Wadaa highlights the enhanced travel options facilitated by the Liberty flying car, offering customers the flexibility to FlyDrive independently or opt for Aviterra’s services as desired.

Strategic investment in PAL-V

Loggia Investment, the investment arm of Aviterra, has strategically invested in PAL-V and solidified a partnership for the Middle East and Africa region.

PAL-V’s CEO and founder, Robert Dingemanse, says, “Aviterra and Mr. Wadaa have vast experience in aviation, understand our certification process, and have an excellent reputation in the business aviation industry.”

“They are a strong partner to support our sales and marketing activities in the Middle East and Africa, which is headed by our VP Middle East, Khalil Malaeb.”

PAL-V is expanding its presence globally by establishing regional offices aimed at fostering the growth of its flying car business. These offices will serve as hubs for PAL-V’s sales, maintenance, flight training, and assembly operations.

Dingemanse adds, “In the coming months, we have more updates on development and certification successes, confirming our lead in the emerging AAM market.”

The PAL-V Liberty

The PAL-V Liberty, known as the world’s first genuine flying car, merges the functionalities of a gyroplane and a car, catering to the demand for independent travel away from congested roads while enhancing travel flexibility.

Boasting a flight range of 500 km and a maximum airspeed of 180 km/h, the Liberty reduces commute and travel durations.

“While running a business aviation company, we’ve always kept a close eye on the emerging Advanced Air Mobility industry,” says Wadaa, MD of Aviterra. 

“PAL-V’s long-standing presence and adherence to existing regulations allow our customers to safely FlyDrive using existing air and road infrastructure.”

“Furthermore, PAL-V is the only player that combines flying and driving into one vehicle. No other player in the market offers this combination and can realistically deliver the vehicles in the near future,” adds Wadaa.

The Liberty empowers users with user-friendly, personal aircraft suitable for daily medium and long-distance commutes. Users can drive to one of the world’s 40,000+ airstrips, convert the vehicle in a matter of minutes, and fly to their desired destination.

Brief about PAL-V

In 2008, PAL-V embarked on a mission to design a roadable aircraft, exploring various technologies and collaborating with research institutes and universities. 

After securing patents for their concepts, PAL-V assembled a team of skilled engineers with diverse backgrounds in automotive, aviation, and motorcycle industries. This team collaborated to bring PAL-V NV’s proof-of-concept prototype to life, culminating in its first flight in 2012.

Entering the next phase, PAL-V focused on engineering the first commercial version, refining the design, and initiating production. This culminated in the creation of the PAL-V Liberty, the world’s first commercial flying car.