Khaldon Azhari 

TOKYO: Tokyo startup ALI Technologies, a manufacturer of hoverbikes, will expand its business worldwide, including the Middle East, following sales in Japan.

The company has joined forces with a partner company as well as working with local companies in the United Arab Emirates to assemble the parts exported from Japan. They will start producing the $777,000 hoverbikes in the Middle East later this year.

In an interview with Arab News Japan in Tokyo, ALI founder Shuhei Komatsu said, “Regarding the GCC region, we are focused on flying in the harsh conditions of a desert and are currently in talks with Saudi Arabia and the UAE. First, we would like to set up a manufacturing base in Abu Dhabi but Saudi Arabian people are also interested in our products and coming to Japan.”

The hoverbike is capable of flying up to eight meters above ground but they recommend flying two meters above ground and using it in open areas such as the sea and desert. A motorcycle in flight can be located using an app.

ALI. Technologies started developing hoverbikes in 2017.” XTURISMO Limited Edition,” and said it was created to provide a new experience of “running through the air” never seen before. It is equipped with high-performance hardware and software as well as high level safety features.

According to Komatsu, little training is needed to fly the XTURISMO Limited Edition. “There is no specific pre-training required. The hoverbike is very simple, easy to operate and doesn’t require any special qualifications. Our product is automatic and can be operated remotely from the ground, so even disabled drivers can operate it. It has manuals, automatic, and a remote controls mode.”

The TURISMO Limited Edition allows users to travel several meters above the ground using a propeller. In addition to being used for rescue operations in the event of a disaster, it is also considered a likely successor to the automobile. The TURISMO was exhibited in Japan at Suzuka Circuit in Mie Prefecture event in May. The design features created great excitement from families who have grown up with Star Wars.

Currently, although orders are placed mainly for use on private land in Japan, many inquiries have already been made from overseas. In response, the company exhibited its aircraft at the recent “Top Marques Monaco” supercar event held in Monaco and the public was invited to test-drive the exhibited vehicle. Duke Albert II of Monaco attended the unveiling ceremony where ALI announced its global launch.

“XTURISMO Limited Edition” is filled with Komatsu’s dreams. “When I was a young boy, it was my dream to create something real from the movies. Star Wars inspired me.”

At a baseball opening ceremony of the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters, the appearance of the “XTURISMO Limited Edition” was of special appeal to the younger generation.

ALI. Technologies plans to perform and display the “XTURISMO Limited Edition” at a motor show in Detroit, USA, in September.