Uber and Joby launch air taxi booking service in Dubai

Uber Technologies Inc. (NYSE: UBER) and Joby Aviation Inc. (NYSE: JOBY) announced the launch of Uber Air powered by Joby, enabling riders to book Joby's all-electric air taxi directly through the Uber app.

Joby expects to begin carrying passengers in Dubai later this year, according to the press release. The service allows users to book air taxi flights by entering their destination in the Uber app, with the platform connecting all journey segments including ground transportation pickup and drop-off.

Joby's aircraft accommodates up to four passengers and is operated by a certified commercial pilot. The vehicle uses six tilting propellers for vertical takeoff before transitioning to forward flight, reaching speeds up to 200 mph with a range of 100 miles per charge.

The companies have collaborated on urban air mobility since 2019. In 2021, Joby acquired Uber's Elevate division. Last year, they announced plans to integrate Blade's helicopter service into the Uber app in 2026 following Joby's acquisition of Blade's passenger business.

"We've long believed in the power of advanced air mobility to transform how people move through cities," said Sachin Kansal, Chief Product Officer at Uber. "With Uber Air, riders will be able to book Joby's electric air taxi through a simple and familiar, one-tap experience."

For U.S. operations, Joby must complete Federal Aviation Administration certification requirements. The company reports completing over 50,000 miles of flight tests and has begun the final certification stage.

The partnership aims to expand the service to additional markets including New York, Los Angeles, the United Kingdom, and Japan, pending regulatory approvals.

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