Uber has announced plans to launch flying air taxi rides in Dubai later this year through its partnership with Joby Aviation, allowing riders to book all-electric flights directly inside the Uber app.
The service, called Uber Air powered by Joby, will give users the option to book a Joby electric air taxi alongside traditional ride options. According to the companies, Joby expects to carry its first passengers in Dubai later in 2026 as part of the rollout.
Riders will be able to open the Uber app, enter a destination, and see Uber Air as an option if the route qualifies. The system will automatically connect ground transportation with air travel, including Uber Black pickups and drop-offs.
Uber Air aims to connect ground rides with electric air taxis
Joby’s aircraft is designed to carry up to four passengers and will be operated by a certified commercial pilot. The company says the cabin features large panoramic windows and is built to offer a quieter experience compared to traditional helicopters.
The aircraft uses six tilting propellers to take off vertically before transitioning into forward flight. Joby says it can reach speeds of up to 200 mph and travel as far as 100 miles on a single charge.
Uber Chief Product Officer Sachin Kansal said the goal is to make advanced air mobility feel like a natural extension of the existing app experience.
“We’ve long believed in the power of advanced air mobility to transform how people move through cities,” Kansal said. “With Uber Air, riders will be able to book Joby’s electric air taxi through a simple and familiar, one-tap experience on Uber, seamlessly connecting every leg of their journey – making ground-to-sky travel even more effortless.”
Joby Chief Product Officer Eric Allison added that the partnership focuses on making air travel fit into daily urban movement.
“We set out to build a new layer of urban transportation,” Allison said. “Our focus has always been on creating a flight experience that operates quietly and integrates naturally into the rhythm of city life.”
Dubai launch marks latest step in Uber and Joby partnership
Uber and Joby have worked together on urban air mobility since 2019. In 2021, Joby acquired Uber’s Elevate division, which helped develop tools for market planning and multi-modal transportation systems.
The companies have also outlined future expansion plans. Last year, Uber and Joby announced plans to bring Blade’s commercial helicopter service to the Uber app in 2026 following Joby’s acquisition of Blade’s passenger business.
Uber says the long-term goal is to expand electric air taxi operations to additional markets, including New York, Los Angeles, the United Kingdom, and Japan, once approvals are secured.
Before launching commercial operations in the United States, Joby must complete Federal Aviation Administration certification requirements. The company says it has completed more than 50,000 miles of flight testing and has entered the final stage of the certification process.
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