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Here’s an article‑style overview of the timeline and partnership between Joby Aviation and Uber Technologies — from early collaboration to today’s launch plans.

📅 Joby Aviation & Uber Partnership Timeline

2019 — Partnership Begins

The Joby–Uber relationship started in 2019 when Joby became a key partner in Uber’s Elevate urban air mobility initiative — Uber’s early effort to bring electric air taxis into cities. Under this commercial agreement, Joby would supply eVTOL aircraft and Uber would support ride‑hailing integration and market analytics.

2020–2021 — Uber Sells Elevate to Joby

In late 2020, Uber sold its Uber Elevate division to Joby Aviation. As part of the transaction, Uber agreed to invest an additional $75 million into Joby, bolstering Joby’s efforts to commercialize electric air taxis. This sale effectively shifted Uber’s role from owning the program to partnering with Joby as the mobility platform for customers when the service eventually launches.

2024–2025 — Strategic Moves and Blade Acquisition

To accelerate its path to commercial operations, Joby acquired the passenger services business of Blade Air Mobility in August 2025. Blade already had experience flying passengers in crowded metropolitan regions such as New York and parts of Europe, giving Joby access to infrastructure and operational expertise.

This acquisition also plays directly into the Uber partnership — future aerial rides from whichever Joby aircraft will be bookable through the Uber app (initially using Blade operations and eventually Joby’s eVTOL aircraft).

2026 — “Uber Air” Launch Plans

In February 2026, Uber and Joby officially unveiled “Uber Air powered by Joby”, a service that will allow users to book Joby’s electric air taxis directly through the Uber app. The first commercial deployment is expected in Dubai by the end of 2026, where riders can book eVTOL trips through the app once regulatory approvals and certifications are completed.

Key points from this announcement include:

• Joby expects to carry its first passengers later in 2026 in Dubai.
  
  

• Uber will show “Uber Air by Joby” as a ride option directly in its app alongside ground transportation.
  
  

• The partnership builds on years of collaboration including the Elevate sale and Blade integration.
  
  

📌 Why This Matters

This timeline shows a long‑term strategic relationship:

• 2019–2020: Vision and early collaboration.
  
  

• 2020–21: Uber deeply invests and transfers its air mobility division to Joby.
  
  

• 2024–25: Joby strengthens its operational base with Blade.
  
  

• 2026: First passenger flights and Uber app integration expected commercially.
  
  

Together, these steps mark one of the most visible efforts to bring eVTOL air taxi services into mainstream ride‑hailing platforms — a transformation from concept to impending commercial launch.

Sources: ChatGPT (summary), Joby Aviation and Uber press releases