Uber is taking flight
In its first research and development facility outside North America, Uber will build a center in Paris, France. Uber plans to invest $23 million in an electric takeoff and landing aircraft in France. The company hopes to unravel the technology by 2023.
Uber believes that this technology is the way of the future; investing in air taxis will save their company in ten years, as many aerospace firms are already developing similar technologies. Airbus, for example, plans to develop a flying taxi, and startup Kitty Hawk has already released a prototype of one hovering above water.
The popular ride-sharing firm will invest money into: airspace management, energy storage, and charging capabilities.
The announcement reminded the general public of Uber’s power. They are already investing in self-driving cars, which has recently taken a hit, yet they can still manage another R&D monster.
Uber had this to say about their choice of France as this project’s headquarters: “France is a perfect home for our next step forward with its strong history of research and development, world class engineers and a unique role in aviation worldwide.”
However, one has to think about the headquarters of Airbus, which is also France. Could Uber possibly team up with the leading aerospace firm to create a flying taxi? If both companies plan to develop a vertical takeoff and landing aircraft, it could be in their best interest to form a partnership.
Ties with an aerospace leader, which also has a good relationship with the French government, could prove to be invaluable to Uber.
The success and capabilities of the technology is all but certain, but this development could be the next wave of transportation.
Featured image via Pixabay/freestocks-photos
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