Zapata, the aviation innovation behind the AirScooter, is officially launching in the US in early 2026 with the opening of its Las Vegas flight center. The AirScooter, inspired by the brand’s commitment to expand what personal aviation can be, is a hybrid-electric, single-seat VTOL designed to be stable, intuitive, and safe. Up in the air in an hour and featuring a true solo adventure, we chatted with the Founder & CEO of Zapata. Franky Zapata, to learn more about why the AirScooter is the future of exploration.
About the AirScooter
“After developing the Flyboard Air and JetRacer, we wanted to build an aircraft that delivers the same level of innovation but is accessible to a broader audience. It represents the next stage of Zapata’s evolution, shifting from high-performance prototypes to a product that can introduce everyday people to personal flight,” says Zapata.
“We designed the AirScooter around simplicity. The computer-assisted fly-by-wire system manages the aircraft’s heading, altitude, and speed hundreds of times per second. This removes the technical workload that makes flying difficult. Paired with a detailed simulator session, anyone can quickly understand the basic controls and transition into the real aircraft with confidence,” he shares.
The AirScooter requires minimal training before your first flight, as the scooter itself can automatically control complex elements of flight. “The rotors provide natural stability, while the flight computer smooths every input. Passengers don’t need to worry about balancing, trimming, or managing multiple controls. They steer, and the AirScooter responds. This approach makes the experience far more intuitive than traditional aviation.”
Las Vegas Flight Center landscapes and routes
“The Las Vegas center, which will officially open to the public in 2026, sits on about 50 acres of open land with a geofenced track designed for a safe and controlled experience,” Zapata shares. “Anyone will be able to fly over desert terrain, natural rock formations, and wide-open valleys. As we introduce our second phase, we will offer longer tours above the surrounding mountains and canyons for a more expansive flight. Pre-bookings are already available for the 2026 launch.
After previewing the AirScooter in Las Vegas during the F1 weekend with guests like Brooks Nader, Jesse Metcalfe, and Scott Eastwood.” “Zapata’s AirScooter is incredible. It makes flying feel natural, intuitive, and accessible, and I’m excited for people in the U.S. to step in and see how awesome it really is.” – Scott Eastwood
Attendees were impressed by how light and sleek the AirScooter looked and felt. They had the opportunity to sit in the aircraft and try the simulator, which highlighted how intuitive the controls are. The reaction was excitement and curiosity as people realized how approachable solo flight could be,” says Zapata.
The process begins with simulator training, followed by guided hands-on time in the aircraft and about 20 minutes of solo flight on the geofenced track. “The experience is structured, safety-focused, and designed for first-timers. As we expand into the next phase, customers will have the opportunity to take longer flights over the surrounding mountains and valleys.”
