Brazilian aerospace group Embraer has signed an agreement with US-based transport company Uber to further explore the concept of an ecosystem that can see the development of hybrid flying vehicles.
The new agreement could also result in the development and deployment of small electric vertical take-off and landing vehicles (VTOLs) for short-range transport within urban areas.
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Embraer CEO Paulo Cesar de Souza e Silva said: “We firmly believe we need to explore several new business concepts that may impact air transportation in the future.
“This is a unique opportunity to complement the air transport knowledge of a visionary and revolutionary ground transport company.
“On exercising this partnership, we will be developing new technologies, new products and new business models, which could generate opportunities for Embraer in the future.”
The company also noted that its new Florida-based business innovation centre is involved in the latest partnership.
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By GlobalDataUber aviation engineering director Mark Moore said: “Embraer is the leading manufacturer of commercial jets up to 130 seats, and one of Uber’s most experienced partners in this space.
“Their knowledge of certifying fly-by-wire aircraft, and their confidence that they can similarly bring fly-by-wire technology affordably to these much smaller aircraft is an essential ingredient for our success.”
Uber is planning to test its proposed hybrid flying vehicles by 2020 in Dubai, UAE, and in Dallas-Fort Worth, US, reported Financial Times.
The vehicles are expected to become fully operational by 2023.
