PAL-V Looking at India to Set Up Flying Cars Assembly Line for Asia – Make in India

Flying cars are no longer a fairy tale. They are a reality now with the Netherlands based PAL-V International BV, which is engaged in the development of the world’s first commercial personal land air vehicle, gearing up to deliver flying cars to its customers and herald a new chapter in mobility.

Carlo Maasbommel, VP international business development, PAL-V, talks to TOI about flying cars and the Dutch company’s plans for India.

When does PAL-V plan to commercially launch flying cars globally?

The product will be commercially launched in the first half of 2021 starting with Europe. As many as 90 pioneer limited edition units will be delivered, which include 45 for Europe, 25 for the US, and 20 for the rest of the world. We are also dealing with some potential clients in India. PAL-V is installed with Rotax engines, the most common engines used in light aircraft. All aviation freaks in the world know about this engine.

Is PAL-V looking at India for setting up an assembly line?

The Netherlands and India have good relations. China wants us to come there. We are looking at setting up an assembly line in India for the Asian market. There is a lot of knowledge of and expertise in the aviation industry in India. That’s what we are looking for right now. It may become a reality in fewer than five years depending on the acceptance by the governments and the agreements we make with a variety of parties as well as the government here. This depends also on the value which will be offered by the Indian government. It doesn’t make sense to set up an assembly line in India if only 50-70 high networth individuals are going to buy our flying cars, which are currently being made at Raamsdonksveer in the Netherlands.

How do you see Gujarat as a potential location for your assembly line?

We are talking with the Gujarat government for a memorandum of understanding (MoU). The MoU has not been finalized yet. To be honest, I think, it will be a good state to start with. Gujarat has good ports and automotive industry.

Are you also looking at sourcing parts from India?

Yes, we are looking for supply of specific parts from India. I am surveying the country for potential vendors in automotive and aviation related industries. We are using our Dutch embassy and the Netherlands’ trade agencies located in India to contact the right parties.

How big is the global market for flying cars?

In 2018, Morgan Stanley wrote a report with 30 analysts. It says that the global market for flying cars is estimated to be US$ 1.6 to 2.9 trillion for the next 20 years. However, we believe the market is around US$ 50 billion.

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Source: ToI

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