Uber users living near New York City or in Southern Europe may soon have a new travel option: helicopters. Electric air taxi startup Joby Aviation announced that Blade Air Mobility helicopters will be available on the Uber app starting in 2026. While specific locations have not been disclosed, Joby indicated that the service will likely focus on popular routes, particularly those connecting to airports.
This announcement follows Joby’s recent acquisition of Blade’s passenger business for up to $125 million, while Blade’s medical division remains a separate entity. Both Uber and Joby are positioning this development as a precursor to the eventual launch of Joby’s air taxis on the ride-hailing network, although that goal is still some time away.
Joby plans to initiate its first commercial service in 2026 in Dubai, with additional markets, including the U.S., expected to follow. The collaboration builds on existing relationships among the three companies, as Blade has previously been featured on Uber’s platform, albeit in limited promotional offerings.
Joby’s growth has been bolstered by its acquisition of Uber’s “Elevate” air taxi division in 2020, giving it a significant advantage in developing electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) vehicles. This acquisition has positioned Joby at the forefront of the eVTOL market, which has seen several competitors, like Germany’s Volocopter and Lilium, go out of business. Meanwhile, Hyundai-owned Supernal is facing its own challenges, recently pausing its aircraft program.
Joby went public in 2021 through a merger with a special purpose acquisition company and has secured hundreds of millions in funding from major investors, including Toyota. Uber currently holds approximately 2.5% of Joby.
As the air mobility landscape continues to evolve, this partnership between Joby and Blade represents a significant step towards expanding travel options for urban commuters.