Uber unveils plans for flying car network by 2020

Ride-hailing app Uber Technologies has revealed plans to open up a network of flying cars as early as 2020.

The firm said on Tuesday that it would be testing and developing the system in Dallas, Texas, as well as in Dubai.

In the announcement at its Elevate Summit, Uber also said it would be beginning partnerships with several aviation firms in order to deliver progress on the largely-untested technology.

Uber's aim is to offer a similar service to its on-the-ground system of on-demand lifts, but using the skies instead of the road.

The firm said on Tuesday that it would be testing and developing the system in Dallas, Texas, as well as in Dubai

Chief product officer Jeff Holden said the increased focus on flying vehicles was to ensure that the company does not get left behind as competitors race to get ahead in the transport sector.

"If you're not planting the seeds for 5-10 years out, you have no company in five to 10 years," Holden said at the summit.

"Urban Aviation is a natural next step for Uber in this pursuit, which is why we are working to make push a button, get a flight a reality," he said.

Uber has faced a series of difficulties in recent months following several accusations of mismanagement and poor treatment of its driver, leading its CEO Travis Kalanick to admit that he "must fundamentally change as a leader and grow up."