Uber chooses Paris for new advanced aviation research centre

According to Eric Allison, head of aviation programmes, the idea for Uber first came on a cold night in Paris when taxis were in short supply. Almost 10 years later, the company is seeking to take the leap from ride-hailing into urban air mobility, and sees the new centre in Paris as a key component in that strategy.

“As we continue to build a mobility platform for everyone, we know we must invest in AI and machine learning,” Allison wrote on the Uber website. “Already we have Uber advanced technology offices in Pittsburgh, Toronto, and San Francisco, where we also have an AI Lab.

“Today we’re committing to a new Advanced Technologies Centre which will initially focus on Uber Elevate. France is a perfect home for our next step forward with its strong history of research and development, world-class engineers and a unique role in aviation worldwide.”