Blade’s Air Taxis Now Available on Uber App
▼ Summary
– Joby Aviation acquired Blade Air Mobility’s helicopter business for $125 million, aiming to eventually replace helicopters with quieter, battery-powered air taxis.
– Joby is partnering with Uber to integrate helicopter bookings into the Uber app starting as early as next year, offering rides from Manhattan to airports and the Hamptons.
– Blade has transported over 50,000 passengers in 2024 across New York and Southern Europe, including destinations like Cannes and Monaco.
– Joby’s eVTOL aircraft, currently seeking FAA certification, can carry four passengers, travel 100 miles per charge, and is significantly quieter than conventional aircraft.
– The partnership with Uber allows Joby to introduce its air travel services to a broad customer base while leveraging Blade’s established routes and infrastructure.
The future of urban transportation is taking flight, with a new partnership set to bring helicopter travel directly to Uber users. Joby Aviation, which recently acquired Blade Air Mobility’s helicopter division, has announced plans to integrate helicopter bookings into the Uber app starting as early as next year. This move allows Uber customers in New York to reserve flights from Manhattan landing pads to key destinations like JFK and Newark airports, as well as the Hamptons. Blade also operates popular routes across the French Riviera, including Cannes, Saint-Tropez, Nice, and Monaco.
Blade has built a strong presence in the urban air mobility sector since its founding in 2014, transporting over 50,000 passengers this year alone in New York and Southern Europe. However, the long-term vision involves transitioning from traditional helicopters to quieter, more sustainable electric air taxis. Joby’s acquisition of Blade’s helicopter business not only provides immediate revenue and operational infrastructure but also establishes a ready-made customer base for its upcoming electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft.
JoeBen Bevirt, Joby’s CEO, emphasized that the Uber collaboration will introduce a broad segment of ride-hailing users to the convenience and excitement of urban air travel. This strategic partnership positions Joby ahead of competitors by combining Uber’s massive digital platform with Blade’s established aerial routes and landing infrastructure.
While Joby continues to pursue FAA certification for its eVTOL model, the company is leveraging its newly acquired helicopter fleet to familiarize passengers with short-haul air travel. The eVTOL aircraft resembles a large drone, capable of carrying four passengers, taking off vertically, and transitioning to efficient forward flight. It boasts a top speed of 200 mph, a range of 100 miles per charge, and operates at noise levels 100 times quieter than conventional aircraft. Its advanced pouch-style lithium-ion batteries support the vehicle’s six electric motors for more than 10,000 flight cycles, underscoring Joby’s commitment to durability and sustainability.
(Source: The Verge)