Joby Aviation on Wednesday announced that helicopters operated by Blade Air Mobility will be available on the Uber app starting “as soon as next year,” offering a new travel option for users in areas such as New York City and parts of Southern Europe.
While Joby did not specify which locations would be included initially, the company indicated to TechCrunch that the helicopters are expected to operate along the “most popular routes,” including airport transfers.
The announcement follows Joby’s recent acquisition of Blade’s passenger business for up to $125 million. Blade’s medical division, which specializes in transporting live organs, remains a separate entity.
Uber and Joby described the move as an early step toward introducing Joby’s electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) air taxis on the ride-hailing platform, though commercial deployment of eVTOL vehicles is still some years away. Joby plans to launch its first commercial service in Dubai in 2026, with U.S. markets expected to follow.
The three companies involved have prior relationships. Blade’s helicopters have appeared on Uber’s platform previously, albeit in limited promotional offerings. Joby acquired Uber’s Elevate air taxi division in 2020, a move the company said “gave the startup a boost in its plans to build electric vertical takeoff and landing vehicles.” Joby went public through a special purpose acquisition company in 2021 and has received funding from major investors, including Toyota, with Uber currently holding a 2.5% stake in the company.
Despite Joby’s progress, some competitors in the eVTOL market have struggled. Germany-based Volocopter and Lilium have ceased operations, while Hyundai-owned Supernal recently paused its aircraft program.