Uber, the ride-hailing giant that has transformed how millions move through cities, is preparing to take its ambitions skyward. On September 10, 2025, Uber announced that, starting as early as 2026, users will be able to book Blade helicopter and seaplane rides directly through the Uber app. This bold move comes as part of an expanded partnership with Joby Aviation, a leader in electric air taxi technology, and follows Joby’s $125 million acquisition of Blade’s passenger business in August 2025—a deal that notably left Blade’s medical organ transport division as a separate entity.
For many, the idea of hailing a helicopter with just a tap on a smartphone may sound like something out of a science fiction movie. Yet, as Uber and Joby Aviation push urban air mobility into the mainstream, the reality is much closer than ever. According to CNBC, Blade chartered at least 50,000 passengers in 2024 from its network of 12 urban terminals, with routes spanning the New York metropolitan area and parts of southern Europe. Blade’s lounges and landing points are strategically situated in high-traffic locations such as Manhattan, the Hamptons, and major airports like JFK and Newark, offering a glimpse of a future where city dwellers can bypass gridlock by taking to the skies.
Blade rides currently start at $195 per seat for trips between Manhattan and JFK or Newark airports, according to the company’s website. While certainly not a bargain for the average commuter, the service has found a niche among business travelers, tourists, and those seeking a swift, scenic alternative to the city’s congested streets. The integration of Blade’s booking system into Uber’s app is expected to open up these experiences to millions more—leveraging Uber’s massive user base and furthering its vision of becoming a “super app” for transportation.
“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,” said JoeBen Bevirt, founder and CEO of Joby Aviation, in a press release cited by CNBC and TTNews. The move is not just about helicopters, either. Joby has been working to certify its own electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft in multiple markets, including Dubai, New York, Los Angeles, the U.K., and Japan. The company aims to launch its first commercial passenger services in Dubai by early 2026, a milestone that could usher in a new era of sustainable urban air travel.
Uber’s interest in air mobility is nothing new. The company first partnered with Joby in 2019, envisioning a future where flying taxis would complement its ground-based ridesharing services. In 2020, as part of a broader push to streamline operations and focus on profitability, Uber sold its Elevate flying taxi division to Joby. Despite this, Uber remained closely involved, taking an approximately 2.6% stake in Joby—valued at $232 million as of June 30, 2025, according to Bloomberg—and continuing to collaborate on bringing air transportation to a wider audience.
Andrew Macdonald, Uber’s president and operating chief, emphasized the significance of this partnership, stating that it will usher customers into the “next generation of travel” and builds on Uber’s longstanding belief in the potential of air transportation. For Uber, the addition of flight reservations underscores its ambitions to become a one-stop shop for mobility, offering everything from sedans and two-wheelers to shuttles, autonomous vehicles, and now, helicopters and seaplanes.
Blade’s founder, Rob Wiesenthal, remains CEO of the helicopter unit following the acquisition, ensuring continuity as the company transitions into its new role within the Joby-Uber ecosystem. The deal, which excluded Blade’s medical division specializing in organ transport, signals a clear focus on expanding passenger services and urban air mobility.
Of course, there are hurdles to clear before urban skies are filled with air taxis. The companies are still awaiting regulatory approval from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for air taxi operations in the United States. Joby, for its part, has been locked in fierce competition with other players in the space, all racing to secure certification and bring their aircraft to market. Proponents argue that urban air mobility can help alleviate traffic congestion and reduce emissions, especially as electric aircraft become more prevalent. Skeptics, however, point to concerns about noise, safety, affordability, and the practical challenges of integrating air taxis into already-crowded cityscapes.
Still, the momentum is undeniable. After the announcement on September 10, shares of Joby jumped as much as 7%, reflecting investor enthusiasm for the potential of this new market. Uber’s stock, meanwhile, dipped by as much as 1.1%—a modest reaction, perhaps, as investors weigh the costs and uncertainties against the promise of future growth.
Joby’s vision extends far beyond helicopters. The company is betting that its electric aircraft—designed to be “quiet” and produce zero emissions—will become the backbone of urban air mobility in the years ahead. By integrating Blade into the Uber app, Joby hopes to familiarize consumers with the idea of booking air travel as easily as a car ride, laying the groundwork for a seamless transition to electric air taxis once regulatory hurdles are cleared.
Uber, for its part, is keeping details about the booking process under wraps for now, promising to share more information closer to the 2026 debut. What’s clear is that the company sees this as a pivotal step in its evolution, one that could redefine how people think about urban transportation. As cities continue to grow and congestion worsens, the allure of bypassing traffic by taking to the skies is likely to become ever more appealing—especially for those with the means to pay a premium for speed and convenience.
For now, the dream of hopping into a helicopter or electric air taxi at the tap of a button is tantalizingly close. As Uber, Joby Aviation, and Blade work to make this vision a reality, all eyes will be on the skies—and on the regulators, investors, and consumers who will ultimately decide whether urban air mobility soars or stalls.
With the groundwork laid and the partnerships in place, the stage is set for a transformative chapter in urban transportation. The next few years will reveal whether this high-flying vision can truly take off.
