Picture of the week: Alef Aeronautics begins flying car operations at Half Moon Bay and Hollister airports

Credit: Alef Aeronautics

Alef Aeronautics, a sustainable mobility company developing the world’s first flying car, as seen in the video down below, has announced agreements to begin operations at Half Moon Bay Airport (HAF) and Hollister Airport (CVH).

The company will test integration into common air traffic alongside other aircraft, while continuing to demonstrate its dual function as both a car and an aircraft. The two airports may also serve as future bases for Alef’s flying car fleets. These agreements expand Alef’s network of research and development flight test sites to five.

Operations at the airports will prioritise traditional aircraft, with Alef required to give right of way to other traffic. As part of its safety procedures, Alef will regularly alert other aircraft to its movements on both the ground and in the air. The company will also implement advanced safety technologies, including artificial intelligence obstacle recognition, to support integration into air and ground traffic systems.

Initial operations will use the Model Zero Ultralight, with plans to expand to other Model Zero models and eventually the commercial Model A. Tests will include driving, vertical take-off, forward flight, vertical landing, and manoeuvring both on the ground and in the air.

“Alef first and foremost is a car, using the automotive infrastructure, automotive business model, and automotive market. The novelty is integrating a car into the aviation infrastructure and air traffic. Working in safe, controlled, non-towered airport environments will help Alef, FAA, airport operators, and pilots see how this will work in the future at scale. Electric aviation is more environmentally friendly, quieter, and requires less space, hence it is good to see Silicon Valley airports embracing electric aviation,” said Jim Dukhovny, CEO of Alef.

Alef Aeronautics, based in San Mateo, California, designs and develops sustainable electric transportation. Investors include Draper Associates, Impact VC, Chinney Alliance, Draper B1, Bronco Ventures, SplashVC and others.

Credit: Alef Aeronautics

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