Uber is pulling out all the stops to get noticed at the glitzy Cannes Film Festival opening Wednesday by offering not only its usual taxi-hail car service -- but also helicopter rides.
The US company, which is upending traditional taxi companies worldwide with its app-run business, is putting on the chopper runs between the nearest airport, in Nice, and Cannes.
The cost for the UberCopter service is 160 euros ($180) for a seven-minute flight, for a maximum of four people. That price includes a chauffeured car ride to the heliport and then another limo waiting at the destination to take the passengers to the centre of Cannes.
The price may seem exorbitant to ordinary mortals, but for the high-powered movers and shakers attending Cannes -- or simply the poseurs -- it beats the one-hour road journey, often jammed with traffic.
Uber is offering the sky-high option through deals with two local helicopter firms.
Last year, Uber ran into turbulence on the ground during the Cannes festival when Nice taxi drivers blocked the airport to protest the American company's disruption of their market, and against unlicenced drivers offering taxi rides generally.
French police are to conduct spot checks during the Cannes Film Festival this year to ensure any cars carrying paying passengers are abiding by the law.
AFP
Wed May 13 2015
The cost for the UberCopter service is 160 euros ($180) for a seven-minute flight, for a maximum of four people.
How lab-grown meat can feed our need for protein
Putting meat on people's plates is a significant contributor to global warming.
Developing nations blast $300 billion COP29 climate deal as insufficient
Some delegates gave the deal a standing ovation in the COP29 plenary hall. Others lambasted wealthy nations for not doing more.
Johor's four-and-a-half-day work week depends on state govt's rationale - Azalina
She said the state government must have valid reasons for the proposal but declined to elaborate further.
Gunman shot dead, 3 police injured in shooting near Israeli embassy in Jordan
The kingdom has witnessed some of the biggest peaceful rallies across the region as anti-Israel sentiment runs high over the war in Gaza.
23 killed, 45 injured in fresh Israeli airstrikes on eastern Lebanon
Over 3,600 people have been killed by Israeli attacks in Lebanon so far.
Is climate change making tropical storms more frequent? Scientists say it's unclear
Scientists say it remains unclear how much climate change is reshaping the storm season.
Samples obtained by Chinese spacecraft show moon's ancient volcanism
The material provides new insight into the moon's geological history including the oldest evidence to date of lunar volcanism.
The scamdemic targeting the young and vulnerable
Teenagers and young adults are becoming prime targets for a new wave of cyber scams, a trend raising alarm bells across Southeast Asia.
Japanese manicurist takes on plastic pollution, one nail at a time
Before global leaders address plastic pollution, a Japanese manicurist highlights the issue by incorporating it into her nail designs.
What to watch for ahead of US presidential inauguration
Here's a timeline of events between now and inauguration day.
The battle to reduce road deaths
In Malaysia, over half a million road accidents have been recorded so far this year.
Pro-Palestinian NGOs seek court order to stop Dutch arms exports to Israel
The Dutch state, as a signatory to the 1948 Genocide Convention, has a duty to take all reasonable measures at its disposal to prevent genocide.
How quickly can Trump's Musk-led efficiency panel slash US regulations?
Moves by Trump and his appointees to eliminate existing rules will be met with legal challenges, as many progressive groups and Democratic officials have made clear.
2TM: Consultations on PTPTN loans, admission to IPTA at MOHE booth
Consultations on PTPTN loans and admission to IPTA are among services provided at the Higher Education Ministry booth.
Kampung Tanjung Kala residents affected by flooded bridge every time it rains heavily
Almost 200 residents from 60 homes in Kampung Tanjung Kala have ended up stuck when their 200-metre (m) long concrete bridge flooded.
COP29 climate summit draft proposes rich countries pay $250 billion per year
The draft finance deal criticised by both developed and developing nations.
Bomb squad sent to London's Gatwick Airport after terminal evacuation
This was following the discovery of a suspected prohibited item in luggage.
Kelantan urges caution amidst northeast monsoon rains
Kelantan has reminded the public in the state to refrain from outdoor activities with the arrival of the Northeast Monsoon season.
Former New Zealand PM Jacinda Ardern receives UN leadership award
Former New Zealand prime minister Jacinda Ardern was given a global leadership award by the United Nations Foundation.
ICC'S arrest warrants for Netanyahu, Gallant an apt decision - PM
The decision of the ICC to issue arrest warrants against Benjamin Netanyahu and Yoav Gallant is apt, said Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.