Register

How Uber Plans to Launch Electric Air Taxi Flights in 2026

Platform users in Dubai could hail rides on Joby Aviation’s electric air taxi as soon as this year.

Joby electric eVTOL air taxi with Uber app
Uber users in Dubai could hail flights on Joby Aviation’s electric air taxi as soon as this year. [Credit: Uber]
Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • Uber and Joby Aviation are launching "Uber Air," an on-demand electric air taxi service, with initial passenger flights anticipated to begin in Dubai later this year.
  • The service will utilize Joby's four-passenger electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, integrating seamlessly into the Uber app for booking combined ground and air travel.
  • This initiative marks Uber's renewed effort in aerial ridesharing, building on Joby's acquisition of Uber Elevate and the development of its ElevateOS operational platform.
  • Joby is pursuing a "qualification program" with UAE regulators that may allow early passenger flights before full FAA certification, while actively testing and refining its booking and operational systems.
See a mistake? Contact us.

Uber as soon as this year will add a quiet, all-electric, aerial complement to its ground-based ride-hailing platform.

Uber and Joby Aviation on Thursday unveiled “Uber Air”—a new, on-demand service using Joby’s four-passenger, electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) air taxi. Joby said it expects to carry its first passengers later this year in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, where the partners shared a first look at Uber Air during a product and flight demonstration.

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.

Ready to Sell Your Aircraft?

List your airplane on AircraftForSale.com and reach qualified buyers.

List Your Aircraft
AircraftForSale Logo | FLYING Logo
Pilot in aircraft
Sign-up for newsletters & special offers!

Get the latest stories & special offers delivered directly to your inbox.

SUBSCRIBE