The future of transportation is taking flight in the United Arab Emirates as Dutch manufacturer PAL-V prepares to introduce its Liberty flying car to the region in early 2027. After securing final regulatory approval following a 12-year certification process, the world’s first commercially available flying car is poised to transform personal mobility in the Emirates.
Dubai-based aviation company Aviterra signed a landmark deal with PAL-V in March 2024 to purchase over 100 Liberty vehicles and become the sole distributor for the Middle East and Africa. The partnership will bring these dual-mode vehicles to UAE skies through collaboration with private aviation provider Jetex.
“We just had last Thursday the final signature of IATA,” said Marco van den Bosch, Chief Commercial Officer of PAL-V, confirming approvals from both European and American aviation authorities. Production begins next year in the Netherlands, with demonstration flights across the UAE scheduled for late 2026.
Priced at $799,000, the two-seat Liberty transforms from a road vehicle into a gyroplane in just five minutes. In drive mode, the three-wheeled vehicle reaches 100kph in under nine seconds with a top speed of 160kph. As an aircraft, it offers a flight range of 400-500km, maximum speed of 180kph, and can reach 11,000 feet altitude.
The Liberty requires minimal infrastructure – just 200 meters for takeoff and 30 meters for landing – making it adaptable to various locations. Its design specifically addresses desert conditions, avoiding the sand-blasting issues that plague traditional helicopters.
“If I have to go from the south to the north of Dubai, I can fly it in five minutes,” van den Bosch explained, highlighting its potential to bypass urban congestion. Targeting high-net-worth individuals, corporations, and government agencies, the vehicle promises versatility for border patrol, emergency response, and luxury transport. Operators will need both driving and pilot licenses, with PAL-V establishing specialized training centers to support new owners.
The company positions the Liberty as cost-effective compared to helicopters, claiming it’s “nearly 10 times cheaper to fly” while performing “90 percent of helicopter roles.” For UAE residents accustomed to traffic congestion, the Liberty represents a glimpse into aviation’s democratized future. With regulatory hurdles cleared and infrastructure development underway, the dream of door-to-door aerial transportation appears closer than ever to becoming reality.
