PAL-V International BV is a Dutch company which started in 2008 with the development of the world’s first commercial flying car. The concept became reality when the Proof-of-concept took his first flight in 2012. Since then, the company entered the next phase of development, which resulted in the market launch of the world’s first commercial flying car: the PAL-V Liberty. The next chapter in the history of mobility is being written, by PAL-V, today!
Easy Engineering: What are the main areas of activity of the company?
PAL-V: PAL-V is developing and manufacturing the world’s first flying car, the PAL-V Liberty. The company is focusing on making air mobility smart and accessible in the future by making innovative vehicles.
With not only a research and development department, PAL-V also has its own production facility and flight schools for its customers. With a worldwide sales team, present all over the globe, the vehicle is being sold in almost every country.
E.E: What’s the news about new products?
PAL-V: Last year, the PAL-V Liberty obtained an official European license plate for on the roads. Now you can spot flying cars all over Europe during its endurance driving program.
In the beginning of this year, EASA (the European aviation authorities) and PAL-V concluded the certification basis of the Liberty. This milestone marks that the Liberty is a mature development and can be certified under the regulations. Right now, EASA and PAL-V are running the last step in the certification process, the testing program called compliance demonstration.
E.E: What are the ranges of products?
PAL-V: PAL-V is operating in the Advanced Air Mobility market. This market can be split into two separate markets, FlyDrive and Urban Air Mobility. The first market, FlyDrive, is focused on creating a flying car that can go from door-to-door in today’s infrastructure and within the existing regulations. The PAL-V Liberty is primarily focused on that market.
The second market, Urban Air Mobility, is more focused on flying within cities, rooftop-to-rooftop. This market will coexist with the FlyDrive market but will emerge later because of regulations which need to be developed. PAL-V has also concepts for this market which will be launched over the coming years.
E.E: At what stage is the market where you are currently active?
PAL-V: The Market for advanced air mobility is huge and growing fast. With an estimate 1.6 to 2.9 trillion dollar market in 2040 it is truely a new industry.
The coming years, the FlyDrive market will emerge connecting big metropoles and rural areas. Offering smart living and a effective way of commuting.
The Urban air market will emerge at the end of this decade as most of the infrastuctre and regulations are being created in the coming years.
E.E: What can you tell us about market trends?
PAL-V: New concepts and techniques are now being tested and can become available in the next decade, imagine autonomous flight, alternative fuels (e-fuels) and a whole new way of mobility.
E.E: What are the most innovative products marketed?
PAL-V: Who hasn’t dreamed of being free like a bird? Going places where no one has been, going wherever whenever, that’s Liberty. PAL-V has created the Liberty to fulfill this dream and mark the start of the flying car era.
The Liberty fits easily in your garage. Take your Liberty in the morning, grab a coffee at the petrol station, drive to the nearest grass airstrip, convert it within 2-3 minutes, and off you go, the perfect getaway vehicle. With a range of 500km (310 miles) and a maximum airspeed of 180 km/h (112 mph), you will be FlyDriving from the Cote D’Azur to Geneva in 3 hours, which would normally take six hours by car.
E.E: What estimations do you have for 2022?
PAL-V: 2022 will bring the Liberty closer to the first deliveries to its customers. With a year full of certification testing ahead, it could be the most exciting year to date!
