Last week, Uber announced the first international pilot city for Uber Air will be Melbourne, Australia. Melbourne joins two American cities for test flights beginning in 2020.

Uber Air aims to reduce traffic congestion on the ground by opening up skyways. The long-term goal, Uber said, is to seamlessly transport customers from rooftop to rooftop for the price of an Uber X over the same distance.

“Australian governments have adopted a forward-looking approach to ridesharing and future transport technology. This, coupled with Melbourne’s unique demographic and geospatial factors, and culture of innovation and technology, makes Melbourne the perfect third launch city for Uber Air. We will see other Australian cities following soon after,” said Susan Anderson, regional general manager, Australia, New Zealand, North Asia, Uber.

Uber traffic studies conclude congestion in Melbourne costs the country $16.5 billion every year. Bringing congestion levels down is tied to Uber’s long-term goal of reducing private car ownership.

Uber will work with local Australian companies like Macquarie, Telstra and Scentre Group to build and support the necessary infrastructure for an aviation network in the city.

Uber officials said a 25-minute drive will turn into a 10-minute flight. The first test flights are scheduled for next year and commercial flights will commence in 2023.

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