Uber recommits to trials of ‘flying taxis’ in Melbourne

Uber is adamant its “flying taxis” are not pure science fiction and has recommitted to running trials of the futuristic vehicles in Melbourne.

The Hyundai S-A1 electric Urban Air Mobility vehicle at the 2020 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, Nevada. Picture: AFP

Tech giant Uber is adamant its “flying taxis” are not pure science fiction and has recommitted to running trials of the futuristic vehicles in Melbourne despite the COVID-19 pandemic and reports the program was facing the axe.

The Australian reported last month that Uber’s plans for its Elevate program were unravelling, with no plans submitted to regulatory authorities and no infrastructure built to support a trial, a year after Uber announced the futuristic mobility option would come to Melbourne, its first city outside the US.

Uber Elevate global boss Eric Allison said the pandemic had delayed Uber’s plans to take to the skies, but the company was still committed to Melbourne and was eyeing trials within the next two years.

“We’ve been going around and talking to our key stakeholders and partners, both in Victoria and more broadly in Australia, to give an update that the global pandemic has had on our plans,” he said. “There isn’t going to be any realistic way to do any sort of public demonstrations in 2020, as we had originally hoped to do.

“We are still really excited about Melbourne, and we are still committed to Melbourne being the first international expansion market outside of the US, as we march forward on this plan over the next few years.”

Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi announced in May the company would slash almost a quarter of its workforce and concentrate on ride-sharing and food delivery.

Mr Allison did not reveal whether Uber considered cutting its Elevate program entirely, but said the company was working with eight partners, including Hyundai and Boeing, who would build the electric helicopters.

“We have been encouraged by … their advance towards flight test programs prior to COVID-19. However, the restrictions on international travel, quarantines, guidance preventing mass public gatherings and a rolling wave of infections has impacted timelines,” he said.

He added that the biggest hurdle in making the so-called flying taxis a reality would be the certification process, which could take time. “For things that are more exotic, it’s more difficult and requires more work,” he said.

“One of the reasons we’re so excited about Australia, though, is there is a very good relationship between CASA and the (US regulator) FAA, and we think they share a common view of the world and are on good terms.

“It’s just going to have some time associated with it. And the vehicle manufacturers have to get their vehicle certified in the US first, before we can bring it to the next jurisdiction.”

Mr Allison described Uber’s strategy as a long-term vision: “Seeds planted now will pay off multiple years into the future as a new form of mobility,” he said.

“Most people haven’t flown in a helicopter, besides maybe something like a tourist flight.

“So I understand the scepticism, and I think it’s going to be fun on some level to prove people wrong, and open their eyes.

“I think the odds are quite good … that we will have an offering in place that many people can make a rational choice to have everyday flight actually be part of what they’re doing.

“This is something that is going to really enhance the quality of life for people.”