Uber plans to let customers book helicopter rides through its app

Uber is expanding its ride-sharing service into the skies with a new partnership with Joby Aviation. The San Francisco-based company announced that it will collaborate with Joby, a manufacturer of electric air taxis, to introduce helicopter services to its platform as early as next year. This move comes shortly after Joby’s acquisition of Blade Air Mobility, a company that offers helicopter and seaplane rides, in a $125 million deal.

According to a press release from Uber and Joby, once the helicopter service is integrated into the Uber app, passengers will be able to book flights directly in the app in major cities around the world. While specific details on routes and pricing are not yet available, Joby’s spokesperson mentioned that airport connections are likely to be a popular choice among consumers. Blade currently offers flights between Manhattan and airports in New York and New Jersey for $195, catering to 50,000 passengers in the New York metropolitan area and Southern Europe last year.

Integrating Blade into the Uber app marks the next phase of the partnership between Uber and Joby, paving the way for the introduction of Joby’s quiet, zero-emissions aircraft in the future. Joby currently operates a fleet of helicopters powered by jet turbines but plans to transition to all-electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft in the coming years.

The collaboration between Uber and Joby dates back to 2019 when Joby acquired Uber’s Elevate division, which focuses on developing an aerial ride-sharing service using eVTOL vehicles. This strategic partnership aims to revolutionize urban air transportation and provide passengers with a convenient and efficient way to travel within cities.

In conclusion, Uber’s foray into the air taxi industry through its partnership with Joby Aviation signifies a major step towards transforming the future of transportation. By integrating helicopter services into the Uber app, the company is poised to offer passengers a seamless and innovative travel experience both on the ground and in the air. Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting collaboration between Uber and Joby Aviation.