Italian aerospace authorities have granted two significant flight permits to Jetson, marking a new chapter in the nation's aviation history.
Jetson secured its place as the first eVTOL in Italy's ultralight category. This certification by the Aero Club d'Italia (AeCI) permits pilots to operate the Jetson ONE in Italy’s uncontrolled airspace, a first of its kind globally. In addition, the Jetson ONE pre-production aircraft has been granted its first registration certificate, I-X078, by the AeCI as of October 5th, 2023. Notably, the first flight of the Jetson ONE also took place in the US on the same date.
In another development, the Italian Civil Aviation Authority (ENAC) has provided Jetson with operational authorization for remote unmanned flights of the Jetson ONE. This permission will enable the company to enhance its testing and product validation procedures.
Jetson CEO, Stephan D'haene, emphasized the company's focus on safety, stating that the authorization by ENAC will allow for more comprehensive testing of the Jetson ONE without placing a test pilot in potential harm's way. D'haene also acknowledged the company's collaborative efforts with Italian authorities, especially ENAC, in achieving these milestones.
Highlighting its recent achievements, Jetson showcased three of its Jetson ONE units at the ZeroEmission Mediterranean event in Rome. This event, focusing on renewable energies and advanced mobility, was also where Jetson publicly unveiled its newest advancements while simultaneously obtaining its official permits.
Since relocating its operations from Poland to Italy, Jetson now operates from a state-of-the-art R&D and production facility in Arezzo, Tuscany. This facility, situated just south of Florence, boasts an 800-meter airstrip ideal for regular flight testing. Furthermore, it houses a customer experience center and a pilot school.
Jetson's vision to 'make everyone a pilot' seems to resonate well with the market. The company has reported the sale of over 300 Jetson ONE units, each priced at $98,000. Potential buyers can reserve a unit with a down payment of $8,000.
With over 49 million views on its YouTube channel and significant online presence, Jetson has managed to establish a recognizable presence in the eVTOL sector.