Uber Elevate announced Wednesday they have selected GE Aviation’s Digital Group to partner with for their aerial ride sharing program.
Together the companies will enter the first stage of the program by developing requirements for a flight data monitoring program to support electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) vehicles on the Uber platform.
“This partnership will help expand our digital innovation as the travel industry continues to evolve,” said Andrew Coleman, general manager of GE Aviation’s Digital Group. We’re able to bring our experience in digital across the travel ecosystem by helping travelers reach their destination safely and efficiently.”
Uber Elevate’s goal is to initially launch its Uber Air service in 2023 and provide aerial ridesharing that uses eVTOL aircraft in Dallas and Los Angeles.
“Safety is a core value for Uber Elevate – we are voluntarily implementing a safety management system and developing voluntary programs that have yielded proven safety benefits for the aviation industry,” said John Illson, head of aviation safety with Uber Elevate.
GE Aviation will provide Flight Data Monitoring to identify and eliminate potential safety hazards in flight operations and reduce incident and accident rates.
“Uber Elevate’s eVTOL ride sharing program is another groundbreaking milestone in aviation history. The eVTOL aircraft create a new ecosystem for ridesharing, focusing on safety, minimizing noise, and energy efficiency,” said Bob W. Whetsell, director of safety programs with GE Aviation’s Digital Group.