Uber to Add Joby’s Blade Helicopter Trips to Ride-Hail App

Uber will soon allow users to book Blade’s helicopter and seaplane services directly through its app, following an expanded partnership with Joby Aviation, which recently acquired Blade. This integration aims to leverage Uber’s extensive user base to enhance visibility and streamline access to urban air mobility options. Blade currently operates routes in New York and parts of southern Europe, with prices starting at $195 for rides from Manhattan to major airports. Joby is working towards introducing its electric air taxi services globally, with commercial operations expected to launch in Dubai by 2026.

This partnership illustrates Uber's broader strategy to position itself as a multifunctional “super app,” offering various transportation modes. As air travel technology matures, it’s essential to assess the environmental impact and regulatory frameworks that will govern these new urban air mobility solutions. With urban air mobility on the horizon, city planners and transportation experts must carefully consider integration with existing transport systems to ensure seamless connectivity and mitigate potential challenges. The collaboration between Uber and Joby marks a significant step towards the future of urban transportation, where multiple modes converge to create an efficient and accessible system.