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BREITLING Supports Franky Zapata's
Flyboard® Air Project

BREITLING has become the main partner of the Flyboard® Air project, an astonishing endeavor where Franky Zapata propels himself into the air using jet engine thrust. This marks a new chapter in the history of conquering the skies and undertaking extremely difficult challenges.

Text by TSUCHIDA Takashi (OPENERS)

Target Goals: "Maximum Speed 160 km/h," "Maximum Altitude 3,000 m"

Born in Marseille, France, in 1978, Franky Zapata dreamed of flying over water from a young age. He began jet skiing at 16 and quickly distinguished himself, becoming a professional pilot and significantly influencing the sport through numerous victories in European and World Championships.

However, Franky Zapata was more than just an outstanding sportsman. Filled with a pioneering spirit, he pushed further, challenging the limits of possibility.

In 2011, Zapata invented the ESH Flyboard®, a jet board that flies by connecting a long hose to a jet ski to supply water pressure. This unique jet board soon became established as a new sport and spread worldwide as a highly advanced and spectacular competitive discipline.

Full of passion and drive, Franky Zapata founded a company named "Zapata Racing®." He developed various recreational and competitive vehicles, including the water-pressure-powered Flyboard®, Pro Series, Hoverboard by ZR®, and Jetpack by ZR®. These have gained enthusiastic support from people worldwide as "safe vehicles" that offer a completely new sense of flight.

The Flyboard® Air, unveiled in 2016, is a further step forward in that it can fly independently in the air. Realized after four years of development, this self-propelled unit prototype is equipped with six jet engines (four on the underside and two on the sides) on a board weighing approximately 20 kg. It is controlled by a highly advanced, proprietary computer program to ensure stability.

The pilot, standing upright on a compact, drone-sized "UFO," changes direction by shifting their body's center of gravity, similar to a Segway, and controls speed with joysticks held in their hands.

Franky Zapata has already conducted several test flights of the Flyboard® Air, achieving positive results and receiving widespread acclaim. It has already been listed in the Guinness Book of Records as a hoverboard-type vehicle that set the longest flight record.

As a true flight professional, he prioritizes safety above all else. The Flyboard® Air is designed to continue flying even if one engine fails.

Regarding performance, ambitious goals have been set: a maximum speed of 160 km/h and a maximum flight altitude of 3,000 m. Franky Zapata's dream is to one day fly through the clouds on this jet board. This innovative vehicle holds limitless potential, not only for applications in sports and leisure but also for tasks such as maintaining oil rigs, high-rise buildings, and bridges.

By supporting the Flyboard® Air project, Breitling aims to re-inspire the spirit of challenge and invention that has characterized the aviation world since its early days. Breitling believes that adventure, boldness, and meticulous attention to detail can push the boundaries of aviation possibilities further.