Israel-based eVTOL developer AIR unveiled the full-scale prototype of its inaugural vehicle, AIR One, at the recent Kentucky Derby. AIR hosted a kick-off event in the Green Room reception area on-site. Guests were able to sit inside the sporty aircraft and experience virtual flight with AIR's simulation technology. At the same time, the company said it would partner with Aeroauto to establish a specialised UAM vehicle showroom and dealership in Palm Beach County, Florida.

Developed for both commercial air taxi and personal use, the all-electric Air One can take off and land on any flat surface and has a range of 110 miles on a single charge at speeds up to 155 mph. It has collapsible wings so can be stored in most garages, on driveways and is suitable for trailer hauls.

"It is thrilling that we were able to celebrate this milestone and unveil AIR One at a truly iconic event like the Kentucky Derby, with the help of Churchill Downs," says CEO and co-founder Rani Plaut. "Alongside our newest partner, Aeroauto, the trailblazers we met at the Derby will play a crucial role in gaining public acceptance of personal eVTOLs, propelling the entire industry forward, transforming the way we move and adding a dose of adventure to everyday life."

This was the first of several stops on AIR One's prototype tour. In between events, the prototype and the virtual flight simulation technology will be on display at Aeroauto's current showroom and flight academy at Witham Field in Stuart, Florida. As the latest AIR brand ambassador, Aeroauto will assist in local infrastructure establishment for personal EV aviation and serve as a maintenance provider. AIR One customers will also have access to the Aeroauto flight academy, equipped with flight simulators and classroom learning.

"It is a great honour to become the world's first specialised urban air mobility vehicle showroom and dealership, bringing an international manufacturer to North America as an AIR brand ambassador, while becoming its North American flagship retailer for sales, service and customer training," says CEO Sean Borman. "We feel that AIR's advanced technology will be a great asset to the industry of personal transportation as a whole. The AIR One is an exciting addition to the US's personal transportation market and for all the people that have been dreaming of these incredible machines for decades."

Since coming out of stealth last year, AIR has completed a successful drop test and has finalised the first stage of the power and communication system integration. The company is also preparing to begin hover testing shortly and continues to work closely with the FAA to finalise its formal application en route to step two of the G1 Certification Basis Document.

Built by veterans of the automotive and aerospace industries, AIR merges aerospace innovation and excellence with the maturity of the automotive industry's products and manufacturing techniques, providing safety, comfort and a sense of adventure to everyday users. Pre-orders are now being taken.