Uber Technologies has reached an all-time stock high of about $98.85 on September 16, signaling strong investor confidence in the company’s growth strategy. In the last year, Uber’s share price rose by over 70%. This growth was driven by higher demand for ride-hailing, delivery expansion, and more people using its premium services.
Revenue has expanded by nearly 18% year over year, reflecting Uber’s ability to scale across different business lines. The company now has over 150 million monthly active users worldwide, underscoring its scale and reach.
The latest announcement linking Uber with Blade Air Mobility through Joby Aviation has added momentum. Investors see this as more than a transportation deal—it’s a sign that Uber is serious about entering the next wave of mobility innovation.
From Street to Sky: Uber’s Boldest Move Yet
Joby Aviation, a leader in eVTOL (electric vertical take-off and landing) aircraft, bought Blade’s passenger business for up to $125 million. Blade is well known for its helicopter and seaplane operations, which carried over 50,000 passengers in 2024. Its flights connect key urban markets, including New York, the Hamptons, and Southern Europe.
By 2026, Uber users will be able to book Blade flights directly through the Uber app. This means a customer in Manhattan could book a ride to the airport and seamlessly add a helicopter leg through Blade, all within the same app.
Joby aims to replace Blade’s helicopters with eVTOL aircraft. These new planes will be quieter and produce fewer emissions. This change supports climate goals.
This integration makes Uber one of the first big ride-hailing companies to add air mobility to its platform. Joby gains instant access to Uber’s huge global customer base. Meanwhile, Blade enjoys greater reach and operational scale.
Why Investors Are Flying High on Uber
The deal comes at a time when Urban Air Mobility (UAM) is emerging as a high-growth sector. The global UAM market was about $5.4 billion in 2023. It is set to grow over 30% each year, reaching around $30 billion by 2030.
For Uber, this move opens up access to a premium segment with much higher average fares than traditional car rides. Short flights from airports to city centers can cost hundreds of dollars each trip. This leads to higher revenue per passenger.
For Joby, pairing with Uber lowers customer acquisition costs and speeds up market acceptance of its eVTOL technology.
Investor enthusiasm reflects these possibilities. Uber’s new all-time high signals that markets see the company as more than a ride-hailing and food delivery platform. It is now viewed as a diversified mobility company preparing for future transportation needs.
The Race for Urban Air Supremacy
Urban air mobility is drawing heavy interest from startups and established aerospace players alike. Archer Aviation, Lilium, and Vertical Aerospace are all working on eVTOL aircraft. Boeing and Airbus are also monitoring the space, given their long history in aviation.
Joby has a clear edge. It was one of the first to secure key approvals from the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). It also signed contracts with the U.S. Air Force worth over $100 million, giving it valuable testing and revenue. Acquiring Blade’s passenger business provides immediate infrastructure, like lounges and landing sites. Many competitors don’t have these.
By combining this with Uber’s app integration, Joby has a unique first-mover advantage. Customers can still use helicopters and seaplanes today. They can then switch to eVTOL flights when certification is done. This hybrid model provides revenue now and builds customer trust for the future.
- RELATED: JOBY Aviation Stock Soars on Blade Acquisition and Electric Air Taxi Commercial Launch Plans
Flying Cleaner: Uber’s ESG Takeoff
Uber seeks to grow its mobility services, including air travel, in a way that supports climate goals. The air mobility deal aligns with Uber’s sustainability targets and its efforts to reduce emissions.
Uber has committed to becoming a zero-emission mobility platform globally by 2040. This includes rides, deliveries, and using public transit or micromobility (like bikes and scooters).
It also aims that by 2030, 100% of rides in the U.S., Canada, and Europe will be zero-emission. Here are Uber’s recent progress highlights:
- As of Q1 2025, Uber has more than 230,000 active zero-emission (ZEV) drivers globally. That is over 60% more than in the same period a year ago.
- In that same quarter, drivers using ZEVs completed over 105 million emission-free trips globally, more than 60% more than a year earlier.
- In many European cities (like London, Amsterdam), over one in every three miles traveled on Uber is now electric.
- Uber has committed $800 million through 2025 to support drivers switching to EVs. By the end of 2023, it had already allocated $439 million.
By adding air mobility with Joby’s eVTOLs, Uber can cut emissions per trip by 50% to 80% compared to helicopters. This helps Uber move closer to its net-zero goals.
Market Outlook for Urban Air Mobility
The long-term outlook for UAM is strong, driven by several trends, including:
- Urban Congestion: Cities like New York, Los Angeles, and Tokyo face heavy traffic. Short flights save time and reduce road emissions.
- Technology: Advances in battery density are extending eVTOL range to 150+ miles.
- Policy Support: Governments are backing clean aviation, with the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration and European Union Aviation Safety Agency both advancing certification frameworks.
- Funding: Billions in private and public capital are flowing into advanced air mobility. For example, Archer Aviation secured $1.1 billion in funding from Stellantis and the U.S. Air Force.
If Joby and Uber succeed, they could set the standard for how urban air mobility integrates with everyday transportation. Analysts predict that by the early 2030s, millions of passengers may fly on eVTOL aircraft each year. This growth will be backed by networks of vertiports in major cities.
McKinsey & Company reported that by 2030, top companies in advanced air mobility (AAM) may run fleets larger than today’s biggest airlines. Their aircraft will carry one to six passengers, plus a pilot, on short trips averaging about 18 minutes.
Skybound Future of Mobility
The partnership between Joby Aviation, Blade Air Mobility, and Uber represents a major step forward in the future of transportation. Uber’s stock hitting a record high highlights the excitement around this deal and the opportunities it creates.
Adding air mobility to the Uber app boosts the platform. It draws in high-value customers and prepares Uber for the future of travel.
For Joby, the integration accelerates the rollout of its eVTOL technology by pairing it with Blade’s infrastructure and Uber’s global reach. While challenges remain—especially around regulation, infrastructure, and cost—the momentum is clear. Urban air mobility is no longer just a futuristic idea; it is on the verge of becoming part of everyday travel.
With strong investor support, expanding customer demand, and groundbreaking partnerships, Uber, Joby, and Blade are helping to redefine what it means to move through cities.
