Uber’s platform is set to expand its travel options with the integration of Blade helicopter rides as early as 2026. The move combines the rapid progress of electric air taxi technology with fresh partnerships to enable seamless booking for urban flyers in select markets.
The news comes after Joby Aviation paid up to $125 million in August to acquire Blade's passenger business. This strategic deal paves the way for helicopters to join Uber’s network, giving users a new way to navigate congested areas.
Why is Uber adding Blade helicopters in 2026?
Joby Aviation and Uber see helicopter rides as a way to offer premium travel between high-demand destinations like airports and city centers. By using Blade’s established infrastructure, Uber can quickly connect users to flights on popular routes, particularly around New York City and Southern European hubs.
This marks a shift in Uber’s long-term strategy, moving from experimental air mobility promotions to formalizing helicopter transport as a regular service. The platform aims to compete with emerging mobility options and meet rising demand for faster urban transit.
Did you know?
Blade Air Mobility also operates a medical transport division for organ delivery, separate from the passenger business.
How did the Joby-Blade acquisition shape this move?
Joby Aviation acquired Blade’s passenger business only one month before the announcement, creating a direct link between air taxi startups and mainstream ride-hailing platforms. This consolidation lets Joby leverage Blade’s brand and user base, creating new entry points for both companies.
Uber had previously partnered with Blade for limited promotions, but the acquisition gives Uber deeper integration and access to Blade’s operational expertise. Joby’s prior purchase of Uber’s Elevate air taxi division in 2020 helped fuel this strategic alignment.
Where will the new helicopter service launch first?
Joby and Uber indicated that Blade helicopters would appear first on the “most popular routes,” focusing on travel to and from major airports near New York City and select destinations in Southern Europe. No specific launch cities have been named, but these regions routinely see high travel demand.
Such routes are likely to make the service attractive to business travelers and tourism clients who value speed and convenience. The phased rollout will help test demand and optimize the user experience before broader expansion.
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What does this mean for urban travel on Uber?
Adding helicopters to its platform signals Uber’s commitment to reshaping city commuting with premium and speedy options. Users can expect to see a new interface option for booking Blade flights alongside traditional cars, allowing mixed-mode journeys and new travel planning possibilities.
The service also acts as a pilot for future electric air taxi launches, giving Uber early feedback and positioning the company as a leader in multi-modal transportation. Passengers can move point-to-point faster, bypassing the regular hurdles of congested ground travel.
How could future aviation tech push this further?
Electric vertical takeoff and landing vehicles (eVTOL) are at the forefront of air mobility innovation. Joby’s ambition is to launch electric air taxis in Dubai first, then expand into US cities, using lessons learned from Blade helicopter operations on Uber’s app to refine these services.
Collaborations and technological improvements may one day make on-demand flying a standard part of daily life. Launching Blade helicopters is just the first step; advances in electric flight safety, noise reduction, and cost will drive further integration in the years ahead.
Uber’s path to reinventing city travel now includes helicopters, and the coming years could see air mobility become a routine booking right from a smartphone.
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