Uber to launch Elevator project by 2026

Uber announced Thursday the possibility of manufacturing flying machines for commuters traveling on congested highways, according to CNN. The company published a paper outlining its plans for Uber Elevate, a network of on-demand electric aircraft. Known as VTOL aircraft — short for Vertical Take-Off and Landing — the aircraft would be used to shorten commute times in busy cities.

The company believes that in ten years it will be able to build a network of flying electric cars at an affordable price that will take off and land vertically with 322 kilometers per hour speed. Uber does not intend to build their own flying machines, but wants to work with other companies, governments and communities.

Uber says the project will have "significant cost advantages" over other modes of solving transportation problems, like building new roads, bridges, or tunnels. The company suggests parking garages and helipads could be repurposed to be used as "vertipods" and "vertistops." Uber says that since the planes don't need to follow set routes, it would help avoid congestion and improve commute times.

According to a piece out from Wired on the new plans, Uber doesn't plan to build the aircraft themselves. The ride-hailing company will bring together private companies and the government to deal with the larger issues of making this project a reality, Wired reports.
If you can do all those things,” says Jeff Holden, Uber’s product chief, “you’ve got the potential for a new transportation method.”

“We’re just turning the corner now to make that possible,” Holden says. “Our intent is to help the industry get there faster.”

Experts suggest, however, patience. "It's great that we have these ideas, as it forces us to start thinking differently. On the right time, we will reach a certain technological level, almost as we saw in the cartoons. The reality, however, it will not be as fast or as optimistic as paper may suggest" says Ali Bahrami, vice president for civil aviation at the Aerospace Industries Association.