Uber Collaborates with Joby for Blade Helicopter Services from Next Year

Uber is taking a new step towards air mobility, focusing on helicopter services.

On Wednesday, the ride-sharing giant revealed plans to incorporate Blade helicopter services onto its app as early as 2026, leveraging its collaboration with Joby, a pioneer in electric air taxis.

This development follows Joby's recent acquisition of Blade, an enterprise dedicated to helicopter and air transit, with the exception of its medical organ transportation segment. Last year, Blade facilitated travel for over 50,000 individuals across 12 different urban locations.

"Bringing Blade into the Uber ecosystem is a pivotal move in our wider alliance with Uber and paves the way for introducing our silent, emission-free aircraft in future years," stated JoeBen Bevirt, the founder and CEO of Joby, in a corporate statement.

Uber has consistently aimed to integrate aerial transit into its service offerings.

Their initial partnership with Joby was announced in 2019, and by 2020, Uber had sold its assets related to Joby.

Andrew Macdonald, Uber's President and COO, remarked that this partnership will launch users into a 'new era of travel,' aligning with Uber's enduring commitment to airborne transportation. Further information about how to book these flights will be unveiled as the launch date approaches.

For an extended period, Joby has been competing with rivals to advance air taxi solutions. Advocates claim this technology could alleviate traffic and diminish emissions, although companies are still working to gain the necessary clearances from the Federal Aviation Administration.