Technology & Innovation
Joby Aviation and Uber Integrate Blade Air Mobility Services
Joby Aviation acquires Blade and integrates its air services into Uber app to advance urban air mobility with eVTOL technology by 2026.
The urban air mobility (UAM) industry is at a pivotal crossroads. On September 10, 2025, Joby Aviation announced it would bring Blade’s helicopter and seaplane services to the Uber app, following its $125 million acquisition of Blade’s passenger business. This move marks a convergence of three major players: Joby Aviation, a leader in electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft; Uber, the world’s largest rideshare platform; and Blade, a well-established name in urban air mobility. The partnership aims to accelerate the adoption of air mobility in cities by leveraging Uber’s massive user base, Blade’s operational expertise, and Joby’s advanced eVTOL technology.
This development is significant for several reasons. It signals the maturation of the eVTOL sector, demonstrates the value of strategic partnerships, and sets the stage for the eventual integration of quiet, zero-emission electric aircraft into everyday transportation. As the UAM market is projected to expand rapidly in the coming decade, this collaboration may serve as a blueprint for how traditional transportation and cutting-edge aviation can merge to reshape urban mobility.
The roots of this integration trace back to 2019, when Joby Aviation and Uber first partnered to explore the potential of aerial ridesharing. Their relationship deepened in December 2020 when Uber invested $75 million in Joby, and Joby acquired Uber’s Elevate division. Uber Elevate, founded in 2016, played a foundational role in shaping the aerial ridesharing market by uniting regulators, city planners, and technology firms around a common vision for urban flight.
Joby’s acquisition of Uber Elevate granted it access to valuable software tools for demand simulation, market selection, and multi-modal trip planning. In turn, both firms agreed to integrate their services into each other’s apps, laying the groundwork for seamless transitions between ground and air travel. This early partnership demonstrated strategic foresight, positioning both companies to benefit from the convergence of ridesharing and advanced air mobility.
In August 2025, Joby announced its acquisition of Blade’s passenger business for up to $125 million. Blade, known for its robust network of Helicopters and seaplane routes in New York and Europe, carried over 50,000 passengers in 2024. The deal included 12 urban terminals, key airport connections, and the retention of Blade’s leadership under CEO Rob Wiesenthal. The acquisition provided Joby with instant access to established infrastructure and a loyal customer base in high-demand markets.
Toyota Motor Corporation’s $250 million investment in Joby in 2025 further strengthened the company’s position. Beyond capital, Toyota brought Manufacturing expertise to help Joby scale production efficiently. This collaboration is already streamlining Joby’s manufacturing processes and optimizing aircraft design, crucial for meeting anticipated demand from Uber and Blade’s combined customer base.
Financial structuring of the Blade acquisition, with $35 million in holdbacks tied to performance milestones and employee retention, reflects Joby’s cautious yet optimistic approach. This structure aligns incentives and ensures that operational continuity and service quality are maintained during the integration process.
Blade’s CEO described the partnership as a natural fit, stating, “Blade was founded with the mission of democratizing short-distance air travel by facilitating the transition from conventional rotorcraft to quiet, emissions-free electric aircraft, and I believe there is no better partner than Joby to make that mission a reality.” “Integrating Blade into the Uber app is the natural next step in our global partnership with Uber and will lay the foundation for the introduction of our quiet, zero-emissions aircraft in the years ahead.”, JoeBen Bevirt, Joby Founder & CEO
The integration of Blade’s services into the Uber app is expected to begin as soon as 2026. Uber users will be able to book helicopter and seaplane flights directly, just as they would an UberX or Uber Black. This seamless experience addresses one of the main barriers to UAM adoption: the complexity of accessing air mobility services through multiple platforms.
Uber’s President and COO, Andrew Macdonald, highlighted the significance: “By harnessing the scale of the Uber platform and partnering with Joby, the industry leader in advanced air mobility, we’re excited to bring our customers the next generation of travel.” This move transforms Uber from a ground transportation provider to a true multi-modal mobility platform.
The integration also serves as a stepping stone for the eventual introduction of Joby’s eVTOL aircraft. By familiarizing users with air mobility via Blade’s conventional aircraft, Uber and Joby can build trust and awareness ahead of the rollout of electric air taxis, which promise quieter, cleaner, and more efficient urban flights.
The financial landscape for UAM is both challenging and promising. Joby reported a net loss of $325 million in Q2 2025 on minimal revenue, reflecting the capital-intensive nature of eVTOL development. Despite these losses, Joby maintains $991 million in cash reserves, providing a runway for certification and early operations. The company’s high price-to-book ratio signals strong investor expectations for future growth.
Blade, in contrast, achieved its first full year of adjusted EBITDA profitability in 2024, with $248.7 million in total revenue and $101.9 million from passenger services. This demonstrates that urban air mobility can be profitable at scale, providing a template for Joby’s future operations.
Investment in the sector is robust, with $24.8 billion committed by early 2025. Government initiatives, such as the European Union’s $2.8 billion Urban Air Mobility Initiative and the U.S. Department of Transportation’s $3.2 billion Future of Flight program, underscore institutional confidence in UAM’s potential.
Joby’s S4 eVTOL aircraft is designed for four passengers and a pilot, with speeds up to 200 mph and a range of 150 miles per charge. Unlike helicopters, the S4 produces zero direct emissions and is 100 times quieter, with noise levels around 65 decibels, compared to over 85 decibels for traditional rotorcraft. This is crucial for community acceptance in urban areas.
The aircraft uses six electric motors and tilt-propellers, providing redundancy and safety. If one system fails, others can compensate, and the aircraft can land conventionally if needed. Manufacturing costs are projected at $1.3 million per unit, with an expected payback period of 1.3 years based on current revenue models and utilization rates. Joby’s manufacturing expansion in California and Ohio, with Toyota’s support, has doubled production capacity to 24 aircraft per year, preparing the company for rapid market entry once certification is achieved.
“Joby’s electric air taxi produces zero direct emissions during flight and has an acoustic impact 100 times lower than conventional helicopters.”, Joby Aviation
Certification remains the primary hurdle for eVTOL commercialization. By June 2025, Joby had completed 70% of its Stage 4 FAA certification responsibilities, with the FAA’s review over halfway finished. The company began final assembly of its first conforming aircraft, a key step toward Type Inspection Authorization and eventual commercial approval.
Internationally, Joby has partnered with Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority and conducted successful test flights in the UAE, demonstrating readiness for commercial operations in challenging environments. The UAE’s regulatory framework, which allows eVTOLs and helicopters to share infrastructure, provides a model for cost-effective UAM deployment. Agreements in Saudi Arabia and Japan, with over 300 aircraft committed, highlight Joby’s global ambitions.
The competitive landscape is crowded. Archer Aviation, Lilium, and Vertical Aerospace are among the main rivals. Archer’s “Midnight” aircraft targets similar urban markets, while Lilium’s ducted-fan design focuses on longer regional flights. Each faces unique challenges in certification, manufacturing, and market access. Joby’s integration with Uber and Blade, combined with manufacturing scale and regulatory progress, gives it a strategic edge, but the market is likely to support multiple successful models.
The global eVTOL market is projected to grow from $1.7 billion in 2023 to $39.0 billion by 2033, driven by urban congestion, technological advancement, and environmental concerns. Air taxi services are expected to remain the largest segment, with additional growth in cargo, emergency medical services, and tourism.
Infrastructure remains a significant challenge. Vertiports require substantial investment and regulatory approval. The UAE’s approach, leveraging existing helipads, offers a scalable solution, but public acceptance and air traffic management are ongoing concerns. Safety, noise, and security remain top priorities for regulators and the public alike.
Investment requirements are steep, with estimates of up to $1 billion needed for type certification. However, the combination of private investment, government support, and strategic partnerships is helping to overcome these barriers. Blade’s recent profitability demonstrates that with scale and efficiency, UAM can be financially sustainable.
“The global eVTOL aircraft market is projected to expand from $1.7 billion in 2023 to $39.0 billion by 2033, representing a compound annual growth rate of 36.8%.”, Market Research
The integration of Blade’s air mobility services into the Uber platform, facilitated by Joby Aviation, marks a turning point for urban air mobility. It combines advanced aircraft technology, established operational infrastructure, and one of the world’s most widely used mobility platforms. This collaboration addresses barriers to adoption, such as customer acquisition, infrastructure, and market education, creating a pathway for the mainstream adoption of air taxis. While significant challenges remain, particularly in certification, infrastructure, and public acceptance, the partnership positions Joby, Uber, and Blade at the forefront of the UAM revolution. As regulatory milestones are reached and public awareness grows, this model may serve as a template for other cities and operators worldwide. The next few years will be critical in determining whether eVTOLs can deliver on their promise of transforming urban transportation.
What services will be available through the Uber app? How does Joby’s eVTOL aircraft differ from helicopters? When will Joby’s electric air taxis be available for commercial service? What are the main challenges facing urban air mobility? Who are Joby’s main competitors?
Joby Aviation, Uber, and Blade: Integrating Urban Air Mobility into the Rideshare Mainstream
Background: The Evolution of the Joby, Uber, and Blade Partnership
The Role of Strategic Investment
Integration with Uber: User Experience and Market Reach
Financial and Market Context
Aircraft Technology and Safety
Regulatory Progress, Global Expansion, and Competitive Landscape
Market Projections and Infrastructure Challenges
Conclusion
FAQ
Starting as soon as 2026, Uber users will be able to book Blade’s helicopter and seaplane flights directly through the Uber app, with plans to add Joby’s electric air taxis once certified.
Joby’s S4 uses electric propulsion, produces zero direct emissions, and is significantly quieter than conventional helicopters, making it more suitable for urban environments.
Joby is targeting commercial operations as early as 2026, pending final FAA certification and regulatory approval.
Key challenges include aircraft certification, infrastructure development (vertiports), public acceptance, air traffic management, and achieving financial sustainability.
Archer Aviation, Lilium, and Vertical Aerospace are among the main competitors, each pursuing different technological and market strategies.
Sources
Photo Credit: Joby Aviation
Technology & Innovation
Argonne and Spirit AeroSystems Launch AI Tool for Aerospace Inspections
Argonne National Laboratory and Spirit AeroSystems introduce an AI tool that speeds composite material inspections, reducing time and energy use in aerospace manufacturing.
This article is based on an official press release from Argonne National Laboratory.
A new collaboration between government research facilities and private industry aims to resolve one of the most persistent bottlenecks in modern Commercial-Aircraft manufacturing: the inspection of composite materials. On January 7, 2026, Argonne National Laboratory (ANL) announced the development of an artificial intelligence tool designed to accelerate the analysis of ultrasonic scans, a move they report will significantly reduce production time and energy consumption.
The project, led by ANL in partnership with Spirit AeroSystems, Northern Illinois University, and Texas Research Institute Austin, utilizes advanced machine learning to assist human inspectors. According to the laboratory’s announcement, the tool reduces human inspection time by 7% and cuts facility-level energy usage by approximately 3% per aircraft.
Modern aerospace engineering relies heavily on composite materials due to their superior strength-to-weight ratios. However, verifying the structural integrity of these materials is a data-intensive process. Manufacturers typically use ultrasonic non-destructive testing (NDT) to scan components, generating massive datasets that human experts must manually review to identify defects.
Argonne National Laboratory describes this manual review process as time-consuming and mentally fatiguing. To address this, the research team utilized the Argonne Leadership Computing Facility (ALCF), a U.S. Department of Energy Office of Science user facility, to develop a solution based on Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs).
According to the technical details released by the laboratory, the AI model does not replace human inspectors. Instead, it functions as an intelligent assistant that rapidly processes scan data to highlight “regions of interest.”
“It rapidly processes scan data and highlights specific areas that contain potential defects or anomalies. This allows human experts to focus their attention solely on ‘regions of interest’ rather than reviewing empty or flawless data.”
— Argonne National Laboratory Announcement
The integration of this technology offers measurable gains in both efficiency and Sustainability. Spirit AeroSystems, a major aerostructures manufacturer, provided the proprietary dataset of ultrasonic scans used to train the model. The resulting tool has demonstrated the ability to shorten the overall production flow time. By automating the initial screening of ultrasonic data, the tool reduces the time human inspectors spend on each component by 7%. In high-volume manufacturing environments, this reduction allows for increased throughput and helps alleviate production backlogs.
Perhaps most notably, the efficiency gains translate directly into energy savings. The announcement states that the tool lowers energy use by roughly 3% per aircraft. This reduction is achieved at the facility level; shorter inspection times mean that heavy machinery, HVAC systems, and lighting operate for fewer hours per unit produced.
The deployment of this AI tool highlights a critical shift in the aerospace sector’s approach to “Industry 4.0.” While much of the past decade’s innovation focused on physical Automation, such as robotic drilling or fastening, the current frontier is digital automation.
We observe that the bottleneck in composite manufacturing has shifted from layup (placing the material) to verification (proving the material is safe). As aircraft designs become increasingly complex, the volume of NDT data is outpacing human capacity to review it. The “human-in-the-loop” approach taken by Argonne and Spirit AeroSystems is significant because it mitigates the regulatory hurdles associated with fully autonomous inspection. By keeping the human inspector as the final authority, manufacturers can likely integrate these tools faster than if they sought to replace the human entirely.
Furthermore, the “open-framework” nature of the underlying techniques, mentioned in the release as being available for academic research, suggests that this methodology could soon expand beyond aerospace into wind energy and automotive sectors, where composite usage is also rising.
The success of this initiative relied on a multi-sector collaboration. While Argonne provided the supercomputing power and machine learning expertise, Spirit AeroSystems supplied the domain knowledge and real-world data necessary to train the AI effectively. Northern Illinois University and Texas Research Institute Austin contributed to validating the technology’s robustness and reliability.
Rajkumar Kettimuthu, a Senior Scientist and Group Leader at Argonne, emphasized the collaborative nature of the work in the official release, noting the combination of industrial constraints and high-performance computing.
Argonne National Laboratory and Spirit AeroSystems Unveil AI Tool for Aerospace Inspections
Addressing the Composite Challenge
Operational and Environmental Benefits
Efficiency Gains
Energy Reduction
AirPro News Analysis
Partnership Details
Sources
Photo Credit: Argonne National Lab
Technology & Innovation
Horizon Aircraft Reports $24M Cash and 2026 Prototype Timeline
Horizon Aircraft secures $24M cash and funding to complete the Cavorite X7 hybrid-electric eVTOL prototype by 2026 with flight tests in 2027.
This article is based on an official press release from Horizon Aircraft and financial data released January 14, 2026.
Horizon Aircraft (NASDAQ: HOVR) has released its financial results for the second quarter of fiscal year 2026, ending November 30, 2025. The company reported a strengthened balance sheet with over $24 million in cash on hand, a liquidity position management states is sufficient to fund operations through the completion of its full-scale Cavorite X7 prototype in 2026.
According to the company’s official statement, the quarter was marked by significant operational growth and the securing of non-dilutive funding, positioning the aerospace manufacturer to advance its hybrid-electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL) technology.
In its Q2 fiscal 2026 report, Horizon Aircraft confirmed it has secured the necessary capital to execute its near-term engineering goals. The company highlighted a cash balance of $24 million as of November 30, 2025. This financial runway is supported by a combination of equity financing and government grants.
Recent financing activities include a capital raise of approximately C$10.8 million during the second quarter through the sale of 2.6 million shares. Additionally, analyst coverage indicates the closing of a financing tranche in December 2024 involving $1.5 million (approximately C$2.1 million) in common shares.
Beyond private capital, Horizon has successfully tapped into public funding. The company was awarded a C$10.5 million non-dilutive grant from the Initiative for Sustainable Aviation Technology (INSAT). This funding is specifically earmarked to support the development of all-weather flight capabilities for the Cavorite X7.
Brian Merker, CFO of Horizon Aircraft, commented on the company’s financial stability in the press release:
“With significantly improved working capital and incoming non-dilutive funding… we are well positioned to continue investing in our people, advancing our technology, and executing toward completion of our full-scale aircraft.”
Horizon Aircraft is focused on the development of the Cavorite X7, a seven-seat hybrid-electric eVTOL designed for regional air mobility, medical evacuation, and cargo transport. The aircraft distinguishes itself with a patented “fan-in-wing” system, which allows it to fly 98% of its mission configuration as a traditional fixed-wing plane. This design covers the vertical lift fans during forward flight to significantly reduce drag. The company has outlined a clear roadmap for the next 18 months. According to the Q2 update:
To support this timeline, Horizon has doubled its engineering headcount year-over-year and plans to double the team size again by the end of 2026.
Brandon Robinson, CEO of Horizon Aircraft, emphasized the momentum behind the project:
“The progress achieved during the second quarter of fiscal 2026 provides strong momentum toward completing our full-scale aircraft and commencing initial testing within the next 12 to 18 months.”
The Hybrid Advantage in a Crowded Market
While many competitors in the Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) sector are pursuing pure electric architectures tailored for short-range urban air taxi services, Horizon Aircraft’s hybrid-electric approach targets a different segment. By utilizing a hybrid system that recharges batteries in-flight, the Cavorite X7 offers a projected range of 800 kilometers (500 miles) and speeds of up to 450 km/h (280 mph).
This technical choice allows Horizon to bypass the immediate need for extensive ground charging infrastructure, a major bottleneck for pure electric eVTOLs. Furthermore, the ability to operate in “austere environments”, areas without prepared runways, makes the aircraft particularly viable for military and medevac applications, sectors where reliability and range often outweigh the benefits of zero-emission propulsion.
Horizon Aircraft is actively deepening relationships with supply chain partners to ensure the timely delivery of components for the full-scale prototype. The company is also exploring military applications for the Cavorite X7, leveraging its design suitability for rugged environments.
The company’s stock (NASDAQ: HOVR) has reflected the volatility typical of the emerging eVTOL sector, though the confirmation of a funded runway through 2026 provides a degree of certainty regarding the company’s ability to reach its next major technical milestone.
What is the Cavorite X7? When will the Cavorite X7 fly? How much cash does Horizon Aircraft have? What makes Horizon different from other eVTOL companies?
Horizon Aircraft Reports $24 Million Cash Position, Confirms 2026 Prototype Timeline
Financial Highlights and Liquidity
Operational Progress: The Cavorite X7
Prototype Timeline
AirPro News Analysis
Strategic Outlook
Frequently Asked Questions
The Cavorite X7 is a hybrid-electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft being developed by Horizon Aircraft. It carries one pilot and six passengers and features a patented fan-in-wing design.
According to the company’s latest schedule, the full-scale prototype will be assembled in 2026, with initial flight testing slated to begin in early 2027.
As of November 30, 2025, the company reported $24 million in cash on hand.
Horizon focuses on regional transport rather than urban air taxis. Its hybrid-electric powertrain allows for longer ranges and removes the dependency on ground charging stations.
Sources
Photo Credit: Horizon Aircraft
Technology & Innovation
Airbus Consortium Demonstrates Flight-Ready Composite Recycling
Airbus and partners recycle thermoplastic composites from retired A380 parts into structural components for A320neo, advancing circular aviation.
In a significant step toward a circular aviation economy, a consortium led by Airbus has successfully demonstrated that high-value thermoplastic composite parts can be recycled from retired aircraft and repurposed into structural components for new jets. The project, titled “Recycled and Ready,” involved taking an end-of-life part from a retired A380 and manufacturing it into a flight-ready component for an A320neo.
According to the official announcement released on January 15, 2026, the initiative proves that aerospace composites, historically difficult to recycle without degrading their quality, can be retained within the aviation supply chain rather than being “downcycled” into lower-value products like filler or ground transport components.
The breakthrough was achieved through a partnership between Airbus, materials supplier Toray Advanced Composites, aerostructures manufacturer Daher, and dismantling specialist Tarmac Aerosave. The team’s efforts were recognized with a JEC Innovation Award in the “Circularity and Recycling” category.
The core achievement of the project was the successful conversion of a used engine pylon fairing cover (cowl) from a dismantled A380 into a structural panel for an A320neo pylon. This transition from a “superjumbo” part to a single-aisle component validates the industrial feasibility of reusing thermoplastic materials.
The project relied on the specific properties of the material used: Toray Cetex® TC1100, a carbon fiber reinforced Polyphenylene Sulfide (PPS) thermoplastic. Unlike traditional thermoset composites, which undergo a chemical change during curing that cannot be reversed, thermoplastics can be melted, reshaped, and reformed multiple times.
The project required precise coordination across the supply-chain, with each partner fulfilling a specific role:
This development addresses one of the aviation industry’s most persistent sustainability challenges: the disposal of carbon fiber composites. While metals like aluminum and titanium have recovery rates near 90%, composites have often ended up in landfills because separating the fibers from the resin is technically difficult and expensive.
Isabell Gradert, Airbus VP of Central Research and Technology, emphasized the importance of cross-industry collaboration in achieving this milestone:
“This recognition from the JEC shows how complex challenges, including high-value recycling, are best tackled through partnership. We exist in a complex aerospace supply chain in a hyper-connected world. If a company comes up with a solution on its own, that’s a great story. If an entire industry does it together, that’s transformative.”
, Isabell Gradert, Airbus VP Central Research and Technology
Scott Unger, CEO of Toray Advanced Composites, noted that the project opens the door for high-performance materials to be “meaningfully reused and reintegrated” into structural applications, rather than being discarded.
The Shift to Thermoplastics: This project underscores the strategic advantage of thermoplastic composites over traditional thermosets. While thermosets (like those used heavily on the Boeing 787 and early A350s) offer excellent strength-to-weight ratios, they are chemically “baked” and difficult to recycle. The success of the “Recycled and Ready” program suggests that future aircraft designs may increasingly favor thermoplastics to ensure end-of-life recyclability.
Supply Chain Resilience: Beyond sustainability, this approach offers a strategic benefit. By treating retired aircraft as “material mines,” manufacturers can reduce their dependence on virgin raw materials. With over 10,000 thermoplastic parts on a single A380, the potential inventory for recycled feedstock is substantial. This could help insulate manufacturers from price volatility and supply chain disruptions in the global carbon fiber market.
From Superjumbo to Single-Aisle: Airbus Consortium Proves “Closed-Loop” Composite Recycling is Flight-Ready
Closing the Loop: The Process
Consortium Roles
Industry Significance and Executive Commentary
AirPro News Analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
Sources
Photo Credit: Airbus
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