Flying cars in Kelowna?

The dream of flying your car to work may be a little bit closer for those in the Okanagan area thanks to a Kelowna man and a Dutch company.

The PAL-V One is a vehicle that converts into a gyrocopter at the push of a button. The company first began developing the vehicle in 2001 and sent its first working concept vehicle airborne in 2012.

Mark Jennings-Bates, a self-described adventurer, entrepreneur and speaker in Kelowna, became interested in the company a number of years ago and gave them a call.

He is now working to develop the North American market for the vehicle, with a North American headquarters in Kelowna.

“We have a remarkable facility with YLW that any client could fly their private jet to comfortably,” Jennings-Bates said. “We have a beautiful valley with a desirable climate and good number of flying days for flight training and we have a diverse range of activities for our clients to enjoy when they need a break from flight training.”

Jennings-Bates says the company hopes to have vehicles ready to deliver to customers by the end of 2017.

“The date is so very close indeed and there is a tremendous amount of excitement within the team,” Jennings-Bates said.

But don’t get your hopes up too high. Unless you have a pretty penny sitting in the bank, or a very understanding bank loan manager, it might be a while until you can get your own.

“In North America, we will deliver a limited edition run of 25 very exclusive vehicles for US $599,000,” said Jennings-Bates. “Then clients will be able to purchase the PAL-V Sport, which will look the same from a design perspective but will have a different trim level. The PAL-V Sport will be offered currently at US $399,000.”

Photo: Contributed - Mark Jennings-Bates