Shared travel giant Uber announced that Melbourne was selected as one of the three cities that can experience Uber Airlines before others, and began testing in 2020. In a statement on Wednesday, Uber announced that Melbourne will become a pilot city for aviation services with Los Angeles and Dallas. This service is designed to “open urban air traffic and help alleviate local traffic congestion”. The commercial operation of this service will begin in 2023.
Uber Aviation plans to use small electric aircraft – this type of aircraft can land and take off vertically – connecting airports and other transportation hubs to the CBD to reduce traffic congestion.
The Melbourne government has so far supported trial runs. Victorian Assistant Finance Minister Robin Scott said at the Washington Summit that the plan was announced: “We are delighted that Melbourne was selected as the first international pilot city for Uber. Victoria is a dynamic and innovative technology state and a leader in Asia Pacific. Regional transformation of technology economies.”
Susan Anderson, General Manager of Uber Australia, New Zealand and North Asia, said: “The Australian government has adopted “forward-looking sharing and future transportation technologies” to make this groundbreaking experiment possible. Through its unique population and geography with Melbourne Factors, combined with a culture of innovation and technology, make Melbourne the third perfect city for Uber Airlines. We will see other cities in Australia join soon.” Eric Allison, global head of Uber Elevate, said: “Melbourne Uber flights between the airport and the CBD take about 10 minutes. In the next few years, we hope that people can call the plane at the push of a button through Uber.”
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