Exciting news for residents near New York City and Southern Europe! By 2026, Uber users will have the thrilling option of booking helicopter rides right from their app.

In a groundbreaking move, electric air taxi pioneer Joby Aviation announced that Blade Air Mobility’s helicopters will soon be integrated into the Uber platform, with service expected to launch next year. While specifics about the routes remain under wraps, insiders suggest that the most popular destinations, especially airport transfers, will be the initial focus.

This announcement follows Joby’s recent acquisition of Blade’s passenger business for a staggering $125 million, a strategic shift that positions them as leaders in the burgeoning air mobility sector. Notably, the medical division of Blade, which specializes in transporting live organs, will continue to operate as a separate entity.

Both Uber and Joby are presenting this collaboration as a significant step towards launching Joby's innovative air taxis in the ride-hailing market. However, a wait lies ahead. Joby plans to kick off its commercial air taxi service in Dubai by 2026, with expansions to other U.S. cities expected to follow.

This partnership is rooted in a history of collaboration: Joby previously acquired Uber’s Elevate air taxi division in 2020, a move that turbocharged their ambitions to develop electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. Since becoming a publicly traded company through a merger in 2021, Joby has secured substantial funding, including heavyweight support from companies like Toyota.

In this exciting time of transformation in urban mobility, Uber maintains a 2.5% stake in Joby, signaling their confidence in a future where helicopters may soon become an everyday travel option for city dwellers.