Uber and Joby Launch Air Taxi Booking Service, Set to Revolutionise Urban Travel

The service, branded as "Uber Air powered by Joby," enables riders to book electric air taxis directly through the standard Uber app with a single-tap reservation system. The innovative platform seamlessly connects ground transportation, including Uber Black pickup and drop-off—with air travel, creating an integrated multi-modal journey for users.

Feb 26, 2026 - 17:48 Updated: Feb 27, 2026 - 21:11

Uber and Joby Launch Air Taxi Booking Service, Set to Revolutionise Urban Travel

Illustration created by Google Gemini

A piece of good news for Uber users as the global ride-share leader has added a new service to its current fleet in addition to cars and motorcycles to boats. Soon, helicopter-like air taxis will become available as an additional travel choice depending on their global location.

According to Uber website, marking a historic collaboration with Joby Aviation, Uber has officially added air taxi reservations to its platform, enabling travelers to book all-electric flights for urban transportation starting in Dubai later this year, according to Uber website.

The service, branded as "Uber Air powered by Joby," enables riders to book electric air taxis directly through the standard Uber app with a single-tap reservation system. The innovative platform seamlessly connects ground transportation, including Uber Black pickup and drop-off—with air travel, creating an integrated multi-modal journey for users.

Joby and Uber have been working together to deliver the future of urban air movement since 2019. In 2021, Joby acquired Uber’s Elevate division which played a central role in establishing the urban air mobility sector and developing the tools needed for market selection, demand simulation and multi-modal operations.

Dubai to Lead Global Rollout

Joby Aviation expects to carry its first paying passengers in Dubai within 2026, marking a major milestone in a partnership that began in 2019. Following the Dubai launch, the company aims to expand services to New York, Los Angeles, the United Kingdom, and Japan after securing necessary regulatory approvals in each market.

Aircraft Specifications and Capabilities

Joby's all-electric aircraft accommodates up to four passengers along with a certified commercial pilot. The innovative vehicle utilizes six tilting propellers for vertical takeoff before transitioning to forward flight, combining the convenience of helicopter-style operations with the efficiency of fixed-wing flight. The aircraft travels at speeds reaching 200 miles per hour and has a range of 100 miles on a single charge.

Engineers have designed the aircraft with multiple safety redundancies and a quiet acoustic profile suitable for urban environments. The sound level is engineered to blend into ambient city noise, enabling seamless integration into metropolitan areas without disturbing citizens.

Regulatory Pathway and Testing

Before launching commercial operations in the United States, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requires extensive testing and certification. Joby has already completed over 50,000 miles of flight tests across its fleet and has entered the final certification stage, positioning the company for imminent commercial deployment.

A Decade-Long Vision Materializes

The partnership gained significant momentum when Joby acquired Uber's Elevate division in 2021. The Elevate division had previously established the urban air mobility sector and developed essential tools for market selection, demand simulation, and multi-modal operations.

Last year, the companies announced plans to integrate Blade's commercial helicopter service into the Uber app in 2026, following Joby’s acquisition of Blade’s passenger business. This strategic move helps establish critical infrastructure for electric air taxi expansion across global markets.

How the Service Works

Riders accessing the service will simply enter their destination in the app's 'Where to?' bar. If a trip qualifies air travel based on distance and route viability, "Uber Air powered by Joby" appears as a booking option alongside traditional ground transportation choices, giving passengers unprecedented flexibility in planning their journeys.

The launch represents a transformative moment in urban mobility, promising to dramatically reduce travel times in congested metropolitan areas while advancing sustainable transportation through all-electric aviation technology.

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