2017.04.2603:52:00UTC+00Uber Wants to Take Ride-Hailing Project to Skies by 2020

Flying cars may become the next big thing in four years.

Uber is expecting to launch flying taxi services in Texas and Dubai by 2020, with full-scale operations by 2023. The company is forming collaborations with aircraft makers and other entities to make this dream a reality.

Chief Product Officer Jeff Holden said urban aviation is a natural next phase for them and they are exerting efforts to make this venture possible. He added human pilots will initially operate these taxis, although they intend to make these vehicles autonomous in the long run.

Flying taxis will be small, electric planes which won't require a runway. These cars will be equipped with fixed wings and several small rotors, making them quiet enough to run in cities without disturbing the area.

The announcement comes as Uber grapples with setbacks, including the resignation of many executives and a case over sexual harassment and self-driving innovation.