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Bear Grylls//Digital Spy

Uber has declared ambitious plans to develop a network of flying cars by 2020.

The ride operator is already testing driverless car technology, but clearly isn't satisfied by trundling along the ground, driver or no driver.

The tech to send electric cars airborne is being developed alongside aviation companies including Embraer and Bell Helicopter.

Uber is pretty optimistic about the results: it's saying that the cars will take off and land vertically, produce zero carbon emissions, and create very little noise. A raised eyebrow may be appropriate here.

The company also thinks that flying cabs will eventually cost around the same amount as ground rides.

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Bear Grylls//Digital Spy

In a statement, Uber said it wishes to "enable customers in the future to push a button and get a high-speed flight in and around cities".

Trials will take place in Dallas, Texas and Dubai in the United Arab Emirates. These cities join the likes of Singapore in testing airborne modes of city transport.

Other companies are also experimenting with flying vehicles, but most of these are single-man drones, not "cars" per se.

Uber wants to demonstrate the Uber Elevate Network at the 2020 World Expo in Dubai, and hopes to have customers inside its airborne rides as early as 2023.

The cynical could see the announcement as a distraction from Uber's other difficulties, which include allegations of sexual harassment and stolen technology, executive departures and a crisis of leadership.

But flying cars, so woohoo!

From: Digital Spy