Airbus Will Test Flying Autonomous Car Prototype By End Of 2017, CEO Says

Airbus expects to test a prototype for an autonomous flying car by then end of the year, the group’s CEO announced Monday according to Reuters.

"One hundred years ago, urban transport went underground, now we have the technological wherewithal to go above ground," Airbus CEO Tom Enders said during the DLD digital tech conference in Munich. Enders hinted Airbus could fly a test vehicle for single-person transport by the end of 2017.

Airbus launched its Urban Air Mobility division last year, which was created to explore concepts such as a vehicle to transport people or a helicopter-type vehicle that can for multiple riders. The goal of the new division is to allow individuals to book rides using an app, like Uber or Lyft, but for the skies.

"We are in an experimentation phase, we take this development very seriously," he said, adding that the new technology would have to be clean to avoid pollution.

Enders said using flying vehicles could also reduce infrastructure spending. "With flying, you don't need to pour billions into concrete bridges and roads," he said.

The aerospace group announced its autonomous flying vehicle plans last September by introducing Project Vahana.

“The aircraft we’re building doesn’t need a runway, is self-piloted, and can automatically detect and avoid obstacles and other aircraft,” said Rodin Lyasoff, CEO of A³ by Airbus. “Designed to carry a single passenger or cargo, we’re aiming to make it the first certified passenger aircraft without a pilot.”

Lyasoff said the group will aim to fly the prototype by the end of the year, and have “ a productizable demonstrator by 2020.”

But the group isn’t the only company looking into flying passenger cars. Uber products head Jeff Holden said last year the company was looking into short-haul flying vehicles for transporting passengers. Uber also released documents last October detailing of concepts including takeoff and landing technologies. Google’s co-founder Larry Page is also interested in flying vehicles. Page’s aircraft was reportedly spotted last October at the Hollister airport in California.