Users of Uber in New York can now directly book helicopter rides to John F. Kennedy, Newark, and the Hamptons.
This new offering comes as part of Uber’s expanded global partnership with Goby Aviation, alongside their acquisition of Blade Air Mobility’s passenger operations for $125 million.
Blade, led by CEO Rob Wiesenthal, is expected to transport over 50,000 passengers in New York and Southern Europe this year.
The New York service will have terminals at JFK, two locations in Manhattan, and one in the Hamptons. In Europe, Blade provides flights along the French Riviera, connecting Nice, Monaco, and St. Tropez.
Beginning next year, users will be able to access these helicopter services easily through the Uber app.
“We think this expanded global partnership will help speed up the adoption of urban air travel,” mentioned Joeben Bevirt, the founder and CEO of Joby.
“Blade’s established routes will be available through the Uber app, which will allow more people to experience the convenience of air travel more quickly,” he added.
Uber’s president, Andrew Macdonald, noted, “Since the beginning, we’ve seen the potential of advanced air travel to ensure safe, quiet, and sustainable transport globally.” He expressed excitement about the collaboration with Joby, the leader in Advanced Air Mobility, aiming to provide customers with innovative travel options.
Currently, flights will use Blade’s existing helicopter network.
However, once Joby’s all-electric EVTOL aircraft receives FAA certification, they’ll transition to a quieter, zero-emission option.
These EVTOLs can accommodate four passengers plus a pilot, fly at speeds of 200 mph, and create significantly more noise compared to conventional helicopters.
Joby asserts that this integration will allow millions of Uber customers to have a seamless booking process for air travel through a single app.
The goal is to electrify these routes over time in New York and eventually in other major cities like Los Angeles, Dubai, London, and Tokyo.
Joby and Uber began collaborating on air mobility back in 2019, with Joby acquiring Uber’s Elevate Division in 2021, strengthening their partnership.
Blade operates primarily in New York and Southern Europe, connecting airports with city centers and leisure spots.
This represents a significant initiative for Uber.
The company hasn’t revealed flight prices booked through the Uber app yet.
The New York rollout will serve as a pilot for potential expansions into other global markets as they await regulatory approvals.
Environmental advocates and local officials are voicing concerns about helicopter operations in New York.
Earlier this year, city councillors proposed stricter regulations on tourist flights, suggesting that regulators might closely examine Joby’s upcoming steps with the start of the EVTOL era.
