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Electric Air Taxis Are Coming to Uber

Agreement with Joby Aviation could integrate Blade passenger service as soon as next year.

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Joby and Uber join forces to improve on the latter’s Uber Copter aerial ridesharing service. [Courtesy: Joby Aviation]
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Key Takeaways:

  • Uber is re-entering the aerial passenger service market by partnering with Joby Aviation, which aims to integrate its services into the Uber app.
  • Joby recently acquired Blade Air Mobility's passenger division and plans to allow Uber users to book Blade's existing helicopter and charter flights directly through the app, possibly as soon as next year.
  • The long-term strategy involves transitioning these aerial services to Joby's quiet, zero-emissions electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) air taxis once they are certified and operational.
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Uber’s app-based Uber Copter offering—which allowed passengers to hail helicopter rides between Lower Manhattan and John F. Kennedy International Airport (KJFK)—launched in 2019 but was swiftly shut down during the COVID-19 pandemic. Years later, the ridesharing platform is looking to improve on the short-lived service.

Uber in 2021 sold its urban air mobility arm, Uber Elevate, to electric air taxi developer Joby Aviation, which on Tuesday said it plans to add aerial passenger services to the popular app. Joby in August acquired the passenger division of New York City-based helicopter and jet charter operator Blade Air Mobility for $125 million. It said a Blade integration on the Uber app could happen as soon as next year.

Jack Daleo

Jack is a staff writer covering advanced air mobility, including everything from drones to unmanned aircraft systems to space travel—and a whole lot more. He spent close to two years reporting on drone delivery for FreightWaves, covering the biggest news and developments in the space and connecting with industry executives and experts. Jack is also a basketball aficionado, a frequent traveler and a lover of all things logistics.

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