Is Uber launching helicopter service? Everything to know amid Joby Aviation partnership

On September 11, the X account, PopCrave, shared a post, noting that Uber would launch helicopter services, which can be accessed through the phone application. The post mentions that the service will be operated by Joby Aviation. Meanwhile, according to a report by TechCrunch, this service might be available for users in New York City and Southern Europe.

It seems that the ridesharing company is indeed launching the helicopter service as they shared an Instagram post recently, writing:

“Your next ride is lifting off. @jobyaviation and @uber are excited to expand our global partnership to allow direct booking of @flyblade flights in the Uber app. Coming soon.”

In an official update, Joby Aviation shared that the company acquired Blade’s passenger business last month for $125 million, resulting in their plan to launch the helicopter service by early 2026. Founded in 2009, Joby Aviation has been developing air taxis that can be used for commercial purposes. This collaboration is aimed at improving the present facilities. The target places where Joby would like to spread its markets are LA, Dubai, New York, Japan, and the UK.

Blade made a record of flying as many as 50,000 passengers across NYC and Southern Europe in 2024. Meanwhile, JoeBen Bevirt, the CEO of Joby Aviation, shared his excitement about the new venture, writing:

“We’re excited to introduce Uber customers to the magic of seamless urban air travel. 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. Together with Uber’s global platform and Blade’s proven network, we’re setting the stage for a new era of air travel worldwide.”

What did Uber’s President say about the venture?

Andrew Macdonald, President and COO of the transport company, said that since the beginning, the company believed new flying technology could make travel in cities safer, quieter, and better for the environment. He explained that by working with Joby, they were excited to offer people a new way of traveling.

In this air taxi service system, there will be various landing points. Passengers will have access to lounges, from where they can board the vehicle. Blade also has a separate medical division, which helps in transporting organs via air.

When Joby acquired Blade last month, JoeBen Bevirt told NBC News:

“What we are excited about is taking our quiet aircraft, our electric air taxis and bringing them to Blade’s fleet and accelerating this future.”

This is not the first collaboration between the car ride-sharing company and Joby Aviation. They have been working hand-in-hand since 2019. Two years later, Joby received the transport company’s Elevate division to work towards operation, demand, and the market requirements. A standard-sized air taxi can accommodate five people, including the pilot. It can travel at a speed of 200 mph.

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