key Points:
- Uber to offer Blade’s air services via Joby by 2026.
- Joby’s $125M deal accelerates eVTOL rollout.
- Uber-Joby tie-up aims to mainstream electric air travel.
By 2026, Uber users may be able to book helicopters, seaplanes, and Joby’s electric aircraft directly through the app, as Blade Air Mobility’s passenger services are set to be integrated into the platform via Joby Aviation. The move follows Joby’s acquisition of Blade’s passenger business for up to $125 million, giving the electric air taxi developer access to an established air mobility network.
Blade’s passenger operations carried more than 50,000 people in 2024, primarily across the New York metropolitan area and parts of Southern Europe. Its network covers routes to and from major airports like JFK and Newark, as well as popular leisure destinations such as the Hamptons. The integration into Uber marks the company’s most significant step yet toward blending ground and aerial mobility in one seamless service.
Laying the Groundwork for eVTOL Air Taxis
The acquisition is more than just an expansion of helicopter and seaplane rides. For Joby, it represents a bridge toward its long-term vision: replacing conventional Joby’s electric aircraft takeoff and landing (eVTOL) taxis. These aircraft, still under regulatory review, are designed to carry up to four passengers plus a pilot, travel at speeds of around 200 mph, and operate far more quietly than today’s helicopters.
By leveraging Blade’s existing routes, passenger terminals, and operational experience, Joby gains a ready-made framework to transition customers from traditional aircraft to its electric air taxis once certified. The phased approach ensures continuity in services while building public confidence in a new mode of travel. Joby has already signaled its intent to launch eVTOL operations in major cities, including New York, Los Angeles, Dubai, London, and Tokyo, after regulatory approvals are secured.
Implications for Urban Travel and Investors
The partnership positions Uber as a leader in integrated mobility, offering users the ability to move seamlessly from city streets to the skies. For frequent travelers navigating congested routes between airports and downtown hubs, the option of booking an air ride within the same app as a car service could significantly reduce travel times.
The financial markets also reacted positively, with Joby’s stock surging more than 8% following the announcement. Analysts see the move as a strategic win for both companies: Uber expands its ecosystem beyond road transport, while Joby accelerates its timeline for launching eVTOL operations with an already established customer base.
Despite the optimism, questions remain around pricing, accessibility, and regulatory hurdles. While helicopter and seaplane rides are currently viewed as premium services, Joby’s electric aircraft could lower costs over time, potentially making aerial rides more mainstream. For now, the integration marks a significant milestone in the evolution of urban air travel, signaling a future where booking a flight across a city might be as simple as calling an Uber.
