Uber is officially stepping into the urban air mobility game. After previously selling its Uber Elevate division to Joby Aviation, Uber now plans to launch bookable helicopter and seaplane rides through its app by 2026. This partnership comes as Joby acquired Blade Air Mobility’s passenger operations, gaining access to established routes including New York, Southern Europe, and major airport hubs.
Riders will soon be able to hail quick flights that slice through city traffic, turning journeys that once took 90 minutes by car into roughly 10-minute aerial hops. Blade, which flew over 50,000 passengers in 2024, operates from numerous terminals with passenger lounges. Uber will integrate these routes directly into its app for seamless booking and journey management.
Looking ahead, Joby’s cutting-edge electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, designed to fly at around 200 mph with near-silent operation, are expected to enter service in major cities worldwide, including Dubai, Los Angeles, London, and Tokyo. These aircraft promise quieter, greener urban air travel.
Uber’s president and COO Andrew Macdonald emphasized the company’s vision of combining safety, convenience, and sustainability through aerial ridesharing. By leveraging its massive rider base and Joby’s expertise, Uber aims to reshape urban transportation and bring the long-awaited era of air taxis to life.
