Airbus to test flying cars by end of year

Flying cars could soon become a reality after one of the world's biggest aerospace companies announced plans to test a prototype by the end of this year.

Speaking at a technology conference in Germany, Airbus chief executive Tom Enders said the company is working on "vertical take-off and landing" (VTOL) technology that would allow vehicles to pick up passengers in busy urban areas.

He said: "One hundred years ago, urban transport went underground; now we have the technological wherewithal to go above ground."

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Airbus has been investigating ideas such as a helicopter-style vehicle able to carry multiple riders, who book using an app in a manner similar to car-sharing schemes. Enders said it expects to put such vehicles into production by 2021 as part of its Urban Air Mobility division.

Although flying cars have been a staple of science fiction for decades, "investment in the concept is finally emerging", says the Daily Telegraph, adding it could be "a big step towards easing congestion on urban roads".

Google founder Larry Page has invested millions in two flying car start-ups, while Chinese company E-Hang has a prototype design. Ride-sharing company Uber is also researching VTOL, while companies such as Amazon are working on delivery drones.