by Gabe Zaldivar
Last updated: 4:00 PM ET, Mon September 26, 2016
We already hop on newfangled devices to book flights and demand car service in an instant, but, according to whispers from the tech community, things are about to get ridiculously futuristic.
Recode.net (h/t CNET) reports Uber, that ride-sharing app that many travelers use to hire a lift to their destination, is getting a bit restless.
Apparently, it's tired of resting in the realm of the land and is looking to the skies. The report hints that the company is examining the possibility of vertical takeoff planes that could possibly squire travelers through the air to short-distance destinations.
You would arrive in style more like George Jetson and less like a normal ho-hum taxi rider.
The report states the head of Uber products, Jeff Holden, was at the Nantucket Conference and unveiled a nifty plan in the works behind the scenes. Recode goes on to describe VTOL, which sounds a lot like a gigantic drone: "The technology is called VTOL - which stands for vertical takeoff and landing."
The report colors the technology like a conveyance that boasts the ability to hover like a helicopter but relies on battery power and utilizes addition rotors. In theory, this would be quieter, more stable and infinitely better than cars on the cool meter.
If you are blown away by the concept, you will love the fact that Holden stated that such innovations could be ready in a decade's time.
The report mentions Holden's concept of using the tops of buildings as landing areas. Consider for a moment dozens of VTOLs buzzing about the city skyline, akin to how some artists imagined zephyrs taking people to their commute destinations in the past's concept of future travel.
[READMORE]READ MORE: Uber Is Asking Its Drivers To Up Their Selfie Game [/READMORE]
In this case, the whimsy is whittled down in stature but far more probable considering modern technology.
Back in March 2015, TravelPulse's Patrick Clarke reported on AeroMobil's concept of a flying car.
In August, we offered a spotlight on various flying solutions to the growing congestion that plugs America's bigger cities.
As for Uber's dream solution, Holden states, via Recode, "It could change cities and how we work and live."
Thinking about the possibilities of flying over myriad freeways locked in never-ending traffic, this may be one big understatement.
For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter.
Topics From This Article to Explore
