The first flying car, the PAL-V Liberty, is set to make its debut in the United Arab Emirates by early 2027, with a price tag of $799 000. Dutch company PAL-V has received final regulatory approval after a lengthy 12-year certification process. Marco van den Bosch, the Chief Commercial Officer of PAL-V, announced this milestone during an exclusive interview at the Abu Dhabi Investment Meeting Congress.

Production of the two-seat PAL-V Liberty will commence next year in the Netherlands, with initial deliveries expected in Europe by late 2026. Following this, the vehicle will be rolled out in the UAE in collaboration with regional partner Jetex. Van den Bosch noted that the final signature from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) confirmed that there were no objections from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

The PAL-V Liberty is designed to function as both a car on roads and a gyroplane in the air, offering a unique solution to urban congestion. This dual-mode capability is particularly appealing for luxury transportation in the UAE, where reducing travel times during peak hours is a critical need.

Before the commercial rollout, PAL-V plans to conduct 100 hours of verification flying in early 2026. Van den Bosch explained that these flights will confirm the readiness of the finished product for the market. He emphasized that the vehicle has successfully cleared regulatory hurdles that typically take a decade to navigate.

The flying car is built to withstand desert conditions, making it especially suitable for the UAE. Van den Bosch highlighted that the vehicle’s design addresses challenges posed by sandy environments, which can affect engine performance in traditional aircraft. The PAL-V Liberty requires minimal infrastructure for operation, needing only a 200-meter by 30-meter area for takeoff and a mere 30 meters for landing.

Owners of the PAL-V Liberty will need both a driving license and a private pilot license to operate the vehicle. PAL-V is offering a specialized training program aimed at busy entrepreneurs, condensing necessary training into a focused six-week format. The company plans to establish flight schools in the Netherlands, Italy, and the UAE to accommodate its growing customer base.

At a price point of $799 000, the PAL-V Liberty is viewed as a cost-effective alternative to helicopters, with van den Bosch claiming it is nearly ten times cheaper to operate. The company anticipates strong demand from both government entities and affluent individuals seeking to circumvent traffic congestion in urban settings. Notably, around 90% of current customers have no prior flying experience.

Following its launch in the UAE, PAL-V intends to expand throughout the Middle East, leveraging its partnership with Jetex, which already has a significant presence in the region’s aviation sector. Van den Bosch expressed confidence in the market’s readiness for flying cars, citing the increasing challenges of urban mobility in major cities.

As the PAL-V Liberty prepares for its commercial introduction in the UAE, demonstration flights are planned for late 2026. The vehicle is expected to not only enhance personal mobility but also contribute to the evolving landscape of urban transport in the coming years.