NEW YORK — Embattled ride-hailing company Uber announced plans Tuesday for an on-demand network of electric aircraft that can take off and land vertically, like a helicopter. It wants to test a network for such vehicles by 2020.
The company says its partners in this Elevate initiative include real estate companies, aircraft manufacturers, electric vehicle charger makers and cities such as Dubai and Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas.
Jeff Holden, Uber’s chief product officer, says urban aviation “is a natural next step for Uber.”
Uber has been reeling from executive departures and accusations of sexual harassment at its workplace. Results of an internal investigation are expected in May.
