Jean-Michel Jarre Becomes First Passenger in KleinVision AirCar Flying Car Prototype

French electronic music pioneer Jean-Michel Jarre made history on April 23, 2024, by becoming the world's first passenger to take off in the KleinVision AirCar flying car prototype in Slovakia.

The AirCar, developed by the Slovak company KleinVision, is a dual-mode vehicle capable of transforming from an automobile to a flight-ready aircraft in just minutes.

The historic flight took place at Piestany international airport, with Jarre describing the experience as "like being in a Jules Verne book, but for real!" The AirCar received its Certificate of Airworthiness in January 2022 after completing 520 take-offs and 130 flight hours of testing. It previously became the first flying car to complete an intercity flight in 2021.

Powered by a 1.6-liter BMW engine, the AirCar can fly at speeds of up to 120 mph at altitudes up to 8,000 feet. KleinVision's co-founder Anton Zajac hopes to bring the vehicle to the market in around a year, with plans to eventually transition to electric power. To operate an AirCar, one needs both a driving and pilot's license, as well as completion of a specialized two-to-three-month flying course.

Why this matters: Jarre's flight in the AirCar signifies a notable milestone in the development of practical flying car technology, demonstrating the potential for transforming personal transportation in the future. As governments and companies continue to invest in this innovative field, the successful test flight brings the dream of flying cars closer to reality.

The AirCar will be showcased at the upcoming STARMUS festival in Slovakia from May 12-17, 2024, a celebration of science, art, and music featuring performances by Jarre and Queen's Brian May. Emmy Award-winning filmmaker Todd Douglas Miller captured the groundbreaking flights, with Professor Stefan Klein, the AirCar's inventor and pilot, expressing pride in "taking flight together, ushering in a new era of transportation with a touch of magic."

Key Takeaways

• Jean-Michel Jarre becomes first passenger in flying car AirCar in Slovakia.
• AirCar receives Certificate of Airworthiness after 520 take-offs and 130 flight hours.
• AirCar can fly at speeds up to 120 mph and altitudes up to 8,000 feet.
• AirCar to be showcased at STARMUS festival in Slovakia in May 2024.
• Successful test flight brings the dream of flying cars closer to reality.