Uber to Offer Helicopter Rides Via Expanded Joby Deal

Uber is setting its sights on a new frontier in transportation: helicopter rides. The ride-hailing giant announced Wednesday its plans to integrate Blade helicopter services directly into its app, with a target launch date of 2026. This move is powered by Uber’s ongoing partnership with Joby Aviation, a frontrunner in the burgeoning electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft market.

This development follows Joby Aviation’s recent acquisition of Blade’s passenger business for $125 million. The acquisition strategically positions Joby to leverage Blade’s existing infrastructure and operational expertise in urban air mobility. Notably, the deal excludes Blade’s medical organ transplant logistics division, signaling a clear focus on passenger transport.

“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,” stated Joby founder and CEO JoeBen Bevirt, highlighting the long-term synergy between the two companies.

Uber’s foray into air transportation is not new. The company initially partnered with Joby in 2019, underscoring its early recognition of the potential in urban air mobility. Subsequently, Uber divested its Elevate flying taxi division to Joby in 2020, a strategic decision allowing Uber to focus on its core ride-hailing business while maintaining a stake in the future of aerial transport through its partnership with Joby.

Uber’s President and Operating Chief, Andrew Macdonald, emphasized that the partnership will propel customers into the “next generation of travel,” building upon the company’s enduring belief in the transformative power of air transportation. While specific details on booking and pricing are yet to be released, Uber has indicated that further information will be available closer to the launch date.

The air taxi market is becoming increasingly competitive, with Joby facing off against other players vying for dominance. The industry’s promise lies in alleviating traffic congestion and reducing emissions in densely populated urban areas. However, the path to widespread adoption hinges on securing regulatory approvals from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), a hurdle that all players in the eVTOL space must overcome. The FAA’s certification process is rigorous, encompassing stringent safety standards and operational requirements to ensure the safe and reliable operation of these novel aircraft.

Industry analysts note that the Uber-Joby partnership holds significant potential. By integrating into Uber’s established platform, Blade can access a vast user base, accelerating the adoption of helicopter and eventually eVTOL transport. Moreover, the partnership allows Uber to diversify its service offerings and potentially capture a higher-value segment of the transportation market. The success of this venture will depend on factors such as regulatory approval, production scalability of eVTOL aircraft, and public acceptance of air taxi services.