Sunita Somvanshi
Sonali Tiwary
Uber is taking to the skies with plans to let customers book helicopter rides directly through its app starting in 2026. This new service comes through an expanded partnership with Joby Aviation, which recently acquired Blade Air Mobility’s passenger business for up to $125 million.
The move marks Uber’s latest attempt to expand beyond car rides. By integrating Blade’s helicopter service into its app, Uber aims to offer a faster alternative for travelers in busy urban areas, particularly for airport transfers that often face traffic congestion.
“Since Uber’s earliest days, we’ve believed in the power of advanced air mobility,” said Andrew Macdonald, Uber’s President and Chief Operating Officer. “We’re excited to bring our customers the next generation of travel.”
Blade currently serves over 50,000 passengers yearly, primarily in New York and Southern Europe. A typical helicopter ride from Manhattan to JFK Airport costs around $195 – giving a glimpse of what Uber users might expect to pay when the service launches.
For Joby Aviation, this integration represents a stepping stone toward its bigger goal: introducing electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) air taxis. These quieter, zero-emission aircraft would eventually replace traditional helicopters on the platform.
“Integrating Blade into the Uber app is the natural next step in our global partnership with Uber and will lay the foundation for the introduction of our quiet, zero-emissions aircraft in the years ahead,” said JoeBen Bevirt, founder and CEO of Joby.
The partnership builds on a relationship that began in 2019; Joby acquired Uber Elevate, Uber’s flying taxi division, in 2021. While Joby works toward getting regulatory approval for its electric air taxis, the Blade helicopter service offers a way to establish routes and build customer demand.
Joby’s planned electric air taxis would carry four passengers plus a pilot at speeds up to 200 mph. The company claims these aircraft will be significantly quieter than traditional helicopters – an important feature for operating in densely populated urban areas.
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Initially, the service is expected to focus on airport transfers in major cities. While neither company has confirmed specific routes, Blade’s existing network in New York and Southern Europe provides clues about likely early destinations.
The rollout faces regulatory hurdles, particularly for the eventual transition to electric air taxis. Both companies will need Federal Aviation Administration approvals before launching any new aircraft types.
Uber hasn’t yet detailed how pricing will work or whether the service might integrate with existing loyalty programs like Uber One. The companies have promised more specific information about routes and booking closer to the 2026 launch.
For urban travelers tired of sitting in traffic, the prospect of flying over congestion might be appealing – if they can afford it. Whether this premium service will remain primarily for business travelers or eventually become more mainstream remains to be seen.
Blade’s network includes dedicated passenger lounges at landing points, suggesting Uber helicopter passengers might enjoy a more premium experience than standard rideshare users.
The companies have identified Dubai, New York, Los Angeles, the United Kingdom, and Japan as target markets for future expansion, particularly once electric air taxis receive certification.
