Franky Zapata, France's hoverboard pioneer, to attempt English Channel crossing on Thursday

Ferry travelers crossing between England and France should be on the lookout for a unique sight this Thursday, as French inventor Franky Zapata plans to fly across the English Channel on his jet-powered hoverboard.

Former jet ski racing champion Franky Zapata will launch into the skies on his Flyboard Air vehicle on July 25, according to his wife and spokeswoman, Krysten Zapata. This attempt will commemorate the 110th anniversary of the first aerial crossing of the Channel.

To successfully cross the Channel, Zapata will need to refuel multiple times. If successful, he will break his own record for the longest Flyboard Air flight.

Zapata has stated that this crossing will be much more challenging than his memorable flight during the Bastille Day celebrations in Paris on July 14.

While his Bastille Day flight only used '3% of the machine’s capacity,' Zapata said crossing the Channel will require '99.9%' of it.

Zapata believes he has a '30% chance' of successfully crossing, acknowledging the added pressure now that his daring feats have garnered much more attention.

Zapata first captured global attention when he flew over Paris during the Bastille Day celebrations.

The crowd erupted in applause as Zapata soared above the Champs-Elysees on the Flyboard Air during a military parade attended by French President Emmanuel Macron and other European political leaders.

Zapata shared with Dinogo, 'When you fly with your body, even your hands affect the direction you want to go. You feel the turbulence and the air passing through your fingers.'

'It’s like becoming a bird,' Zapata continued. 'But it’s also physically demanding. I have to fight against the wind with my legs, so there’s pain involved. It’s not as serene as it looks.'

After three years of development, the Flyboard Air can reach an altitude of nearly 500 feet, with the capability to climb even higher, and can achieve speeds of up to 87 miles per hour.

French special forces have shown interest in the Flyboard Air for various potential uses, including as a tool for assault missions, said Armed Forces Minister Florence Parly, according to Dinogo affiliate BFMTV.

Zapata told Dinogo that before the technology can be used more widely for recreation, regulations must be established and safety concerns addressed.