Parajet takes off with Mercedes-Benz Vito
Personal aircraft manufacturer Parajet is aiming for the sky with the help of its latest high-flyer, a Mercedes-Benz Vito van.
Parajet designs, builds and sells paramotors – single-person flying machines that consist of little more than a parachute canopy and an engine and propeller attached to the pilot’s back.
The company’s aim is to bring recreational flying to a whole new audience, and to change the perception of the sport from a specialised pursuit to a mainstream fun activity.
It’s an approach that has already caught the eye of adventure enthusiasts including the likes of survival expert and TV star Bear Grylls who, joined by Parajet Founding Director Gilo Cardozo, took a specially-adapted paramotor on a trip to the Himalayas, where he succeeded in flying higher than the summit of Mount Everest.
The company has plans to get yet more people up in the air with its latest invention, SkyCar – a road legal ‘beach buggy’ vehicle which is capable of scorching performance on tarmac or over rough ground, but can also take to the skies thanks to its rear-mounted propeller and large, detachable parachute canopy. Testing of the fully working prototype has already seen Gilo fly across the English Channel to France.
Now, with the help of its new Mercedes-Benz van, Parajet is attending air shows and exhibitions all over Europe to build awareness of its ground-breaking approach to aviation. The Long-bodied Vito 111CDI was supplied by Westbury dealer Rygor Commercials and is also used to take prospective customers for test-flight demonstrations and to transport engines, canopies and other items to and from the company’s headquarters at Mere, in rural Wiltshire.
“We chose the Vito partly for its looks,” said Gilo. “That sounds superficial but for our business image is hugely important. The Vito is a sleek, smart vehicle and the brand image of Mercedes-Benz, which is synonymous with innovation and engineering excellence, perfectly reflects the high quality of our own products.
“It’s a great vehicle to drive, fast, relaxing and comfortable even on long journeys across Europe. The size is ideal too, as the Vito combines a very useful load area with exterior dimensions compact enough for it to get down the country lanes which lead to some of the remote locations from which we fly.
“Plus, of course, Mercedes-Benz has a reputation for safety and reliability that is second to none. So we’re delighted with our van.”
For more information, visit parajet.com.
