ZAPATA

Zapata is a French company that designs personal flying machines. It was started by Franky Zapata, who raced jet skis and won 3 world titles and 7 European titles. The contact address is Z-AIR in Châteauneuf-les-Martigues, France.

From 2011 to 2019, the team designed, built and sold water products, including the FlyBoard. In 2016 the company moved from the water to the air with the first flight of the FlyBoard Air. The site notes the 2019 crossing of the English Channel on this machine, which drew interest from the public, armed forces and investors.

The current product is the AirScooter, described as a hybrid electric personal aircraft. The site says it will be available in 2027 from US$250,000. No pilot license is needed, and buyers fly it after short training from the company's instructors. Computer assisted controls are meant to keep flying safe with little training. The company plans a first Flight Center near Las Vegas, with public opening in 2027, for AirScooter training and flight experiences.

Other machines on the site are the FlyBoard Air, the EZ Fly, which is a military hypermobility solution, and the Jetracer, called a flying car. The company says its goal is clean, safe and affordable air mobility for individuals. It names Team Global and TVS Motor as international investors who partner with it.

The website has a contact form and pages for flyboard show and distribution enquiries. It also has a team and careers page. The phone number is +33 4 91 69 02 61.