Transportation

Uber to launch Blade helicopter rides in 2026

Ken Metral

10 Sep 2025 — 2 min read

Credit: BLADE Urban Air Mobility, Inc.

Travelers in and around New York City and parts of Southern Europe may soon find a new option on their Uber app: helicopters.

Joby Aviation, the California-based electric air taxi startup, announced Wednesday that helicopters operated by Blade Air Mobility will be bookable on Uber as early as 2026. While the company hasn’t disclosed exact launch cities, Joby said the service will likely debut on high-demand routes, such as airport transfers.

The move marks a significant step in Joby’s strategy to integrate aerial mobility into everyday travel. It comes just weeks after Joby acquired Blade’s passenger business in a deal valued at up to $125 million. Blade’s medical transport division, which specializes in moving live organs, remains a separate entity.

Building Toward Air Taxis

The helicopter integration is being billed as a stepping stone toward Joby’s ultimate goal: launching its electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) air taxis on Uber’s ride-hailing platform. That future, however, is still on the horizon. Joby plans to begin its first commercial eVTOL service in Dubai in 2026, with U.S. cities to follow afterward.

Uber, Joby, and Blade already share deep ties. Joby purchased Uber’s air taxi division, Elevate, in 2020, strengthening its push to commercialize eVTOL technology. Uber currently owns around 2.5% of Joby. Blade’s helicopters, meanwhile, briefly appeared on the Uber app in earlier promotional programs.

A Shifting Industry Landscape

Joby has emerged as one of the few survivors in what was once a crowded eVTOL startup field. The company went public in 2021 through a SPAC merger, raising hundreds of millions in funding with backing from Toyota and other major investors.

By contrast, competitors have struggled. German startups Volocopter and Lilium have shuttered, while Hyundai-owned Supernal recently paused its aircraft program, underscoring the sector’s challenges.

What It Means for Travelers

For now, Uber riders in select regions may soon see helicopters as a premium travel option, particularly for congested airport routes. In the longer term, the company hopes this early integration will smooth the transition to electric air taxis — a vision of faster, quieter, and more sustainable urban transport.

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