The United Arab Emirates is making strides in becoming a hub for groundbreaking technologies, as it aims to host the world’s first-ever flying car races. The upcoming event is poised to accompany the world’s largest autonomous car racing set to take place in April 2024, further solidifying the UAE’s reputation as a pioneering host for cutting-edge innovations.
French company Maca Flight, an independent entity spun off from European aircraft manufacturer Airbus, is at the forefront of this pioneering venture. Maca Flight specializes in producing the world’s first hydrogen-powered flying racing cars. These innovative vehicles, with a price tag of $2 million (approximately Dh7.34 million), have a maximum speed of 250 kilometers per hour and boast zero CO2 emissions. The single-seater flying cars will operate at a height of just 4-5 meters above the ground, promising an exhilarating viewing experience for spectators.
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Christian Pineau, the CEO of Maca Flight, envisions the creation of a real flying racing car championship. The UAE stands out as one of the top potential candidates to host flying car races. In the inaugural race, Pineau expects to see between 8 and 10 participants.
Mac Flight has partnered with Red Bull, a renowned figure in extreme sports, to advance the project. Pineau disclosed that if all goes as planned, a flying racing car championship could be launched by the end of 2025. Dubai and the UAE, along with Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Bahrain, have expressed interest in hosting these groundbreaking races.
Presales of the hydrogen-powered flying racing cars are set to commence in a couple of months, following the completion of the first full-scale demonstrator. To ensure the safety and skill of the new flying race car owners, Maca Flight plans to provide training facilities and a simulator for practice.
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The regulatory approvals for the flying racing car are in progress. While not requiring full certification, Maca Flight is actively seeking permits to fly. Pineau emphasized the importance of addressing certification and regulatory issues, ensuring the vehicles can safely fly over restricted areas with no passengers other than the pilot.
Maca Flight is working to obtain approvals from French regulatory authorities and has received pre-approval from the European certification agency EAA. The company’s mission is to navigate the regulatory process efficiently and bring the excitement of flying car racing to the world.
