This article is based on an official press release from Joby Aviation.

Uber and Joby Aviation Unveil Integrated Booking for Electric Air Taxis

Joby Aviation and Uber have officially introduced “Uber Air powered by Joby,” a new integration that allows users to book all-electric air taxi flights directly through the Uber app. The announcement, made today, marks a significant step in the companies’ long-standing partnership to bring multi-modal aerial ridesharing to global markets.

According to the press release, the service will debut in Dubai, where Joby expects to begin carrying its first passengers later this year. The integration aims to provide a seamless “ground-to-sky” journey, combining Uber’s ride-hailing network with Joby’s vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft.

Seamless “One-Tap” Booking Experience

The core of the announcement focuses on the user experience within the existing Uber application. Riders will not need to download a separate app to access air travel. Instead, the process mirrors booking a standard car ride:

• Destination Entry: Users enter their destination in the Uber “Where to?” bar.
• Eligibility Check: If the route qualifies for an air taxi trip, “Uber Air powered by Joby” will appear as a travel option alongside standard choices like UberX or Uber Black.
• Integrated Itinerary: Selecting the option books the entire journey in a single tap. This includes an Uber Black car for pickup and drop-off to and from the vertiport, synchronized with the flight schedule.

Sachin Kansal, Chief Product Officer at Uber, emphasized the goal of reducing friction for travelers. In the company statement, Kansal noted that the integration allows riders to connect every leg of their journey through a “simple and familiar” interface.

Aircraft Capabilities and Urban Design

The service will utilize Joby’s all-electric aircraft, which is designed specifically for rapid urban travel. The aircraft accommodates a pilot and up to four passengers. Key performance specifications highlighted in the release include:

• Speed: Top speeds of up to 200 mph.
• Range: Up to 100 miles on a single charge.
• Acoustics: An acoustic profile engineered to blend into city background noise, minimizing disturbance to communities below.
• Views: Large windows offering panoramic views for all passengers.

Eric Allison, Chief Product Officer at Joby and former head of Uber Elevate, stated that the partnership makes this new mode of transport “familiar and accessible” by fitting it into the tools passengers already use daily.

Strategic Context: From Elevate to Execution

This integration is the latest development in a collaboration that dates back to 2019. In 2021, Joby acquired Uber Elevate, the ride-hailing giant’s internal air mobility division. That acquisition provided Joby with critical software tools for demand simulation and market selection.

The Dubai launch aligns with broader expansion plans. Joby and Uber previously announced intentions to integrate Blade’s commercial helicopter services into the Uber app in 2026, following Joby’s acquisition of Blade’s passenger business. These moves suggest a strategy to aggregate various aerial options, both electric and conventional, under the Uber platform while Joby completes certification for its eVTOL operations in other markets, including the United States, the United Kingdom, and Japan.

AirPro News analysis

The launch of “Uber Air powered by Joby” represents a critical validation of the “platform” thesis for urban air mobility (UAM). For years, analysts have debated whether eVTOL manufacturers should operate their own direct-to-consumer booking channels or leverage existing aggregators. Joby’s decision to deeply integrate with Uber suggests that customer acquisition costs (CAC) are a primary concern for the nascent industry.

By tapping into Uber’s massive active user base, Joby bypasses the hurdle of convincing users to download a new app. Furthermore, the inclusion of ground transport (Uber Black) addresses the “first and last mile” problem that has historically plagued helicopter services. If the Dubai rollout succeeds, it will likely set the standard for how UAM services are deployed in complex urban environments globally.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where will this service be available first?
The service is launching first in Dubai, with passenger flights expected to begin later this year.

Do I need a separate app to book a flight?
No. The booking feature is integrated directly into the standard Uber app.

How many passengers can the aircraft carry?
The Joby aircraft is designed to carry four passengers and one commercial pilot.

Does the booking include ground transport?
Yes. The “Uber Air” option includes Uber Black car transfers to and from the aircraft.

Sources

• Joby Aviation

This article is based on an official press release from Georgia Tech.

Delta Air Lines Foundation Commits $5 Million to Georgia Tech’s Aerospace Future

The Delta Air Lines Foundation has announced a $5 million commitment to the Georgia Institute of Technology to support the construction of a new Aerospace Engineering Building. This significant capital contribution is designed to modernize the infrastructure of the Daniel Guggenheim School of Aerospace Engineering, which is currently ranked as the number one aerospace program among public universities in the United States.

According to the announcement, the funding will help replace aging facilities, some dating back to the 1930s, with a state-of-the-art complex capable of supporting modern aviation research. The project aims to accelerate innovation in critical areas such as sustainable aviation, hydrogen propulsion, and autonomous flight systems.

Modernizing Aviation Infrastructure

The Daniel Guggenheim School of Aerospace Engineering has long been a leader in the field, yet its physical infrastructure has lagged behind the rapid technological advancements of the 21st century. The proposed project involves a multidisciplinary facility estimated at approximately 200,000 square feet.

University officials state that the new building will provide essential upgrades over current facilities, which were constructed during the pre-spaceflight era. The new space is designed to house advanced research labs, including specialized areas for wind tunnels, flight simulators, and propulsion testing. These facilities are crucial for research into emerging technologies like electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft and advanced materials science.

In a statement regarding the commitment, Georgia Tech leadership emphasized the necessity of this upgrade to maintain the state’s competitive edge.

“I am deeply grateful to The Delta Air Lines Foundation for their support of this new world-class facility… Their help and participation will be key to the development of the talent, research, and innovation that will secure our state’s position as a global hub for aerospace technology.”

— Ángel Cabrera, President of Georgia Tech

Strategic Partnership and History

This $5 million gift continues a long-standing philanthropic relationship between the Atlanta-based airline and the university. In 2015, the foundation invested $3 million in Georgia Tech’s Advanced Manufacturing Pilot Facility. Additionally, the two organizations established a $2 million collaborative research center in Tech Square focused on airline operations and customer experience.

John Laughter, a trustee of The Delta Air Lines Foundation and a Georgia Tech graduate, highlighted the direct link between educational resources and industry progress:

“This investment will help equip students to explore new ideas, develop more efficient solutions, and contribute to a stronger, forward‑looking aerospace industry.”

— John Laughter, Trustee of The Delta Air Lines Foundation

Economic Impact and Workforce Development

Beyond the campus, the investment has broader implications for Georgia’s economy. Aerospace products represent the state’s top export, valued at over $12.6 billion annually. The industry supports more than 200,000 jobs across the region, generating an estimated $57.5 billion in annual economic impact.

With a projected industry-wide shortage of skilled aerospace engineers, particularly those versed in digital twins, artificial intelligence, and sustainability, the new facility is positioned as a critical pipeline for workforce development. Mitchell Walker, Chair of the Daniel Guggenheim School, noted that the commitment strengthens the university’s ability to deliver “rigorous, hands-on aerospace engineering education through modern spaces for research, instruction, and collaboration.”

AirPro News Analysis

We view this investment as a strategic necessity rather than simple philanthropy. As the aviation industry pivots toward decarbonization and digitization, the gap between legacy academic infrastructure and current industrial needs has widened. Students training in facilities built in the 1930s may face challenges adapting to a workforce that demands expertise in hydrogen propulsion and autonomous systems.

By funding the physical modernization of its primary talent pipeline, Delta Air Lines is effectively securing its future workforce. This move mirrors a broader trend where major aerospace OEMs and operators are directly funding academic infrastructure to ensure graduates are day-one ready for the complexities of modern aviation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the specific purpose of the $5 million gift?

The funds are designated for the construction of a new Aerospace Engineering Building at Georgia Tech, replacing aging infrastructure to support modern research and education.

How large is the planned facility?

The project is planned as an approximately 200,000-square-foot multidisciplinary facility.

What is the ranking of Georgia Tech’s aerospace program?

The Daniel Guggenheim School of Aerospace Engineering is currently ranked #1 among public universities and #2 overall in the U.S. for both undergraduate and graduate programs.

When is the building expected to be completed?

While specific completion dates depend on funding and construction schedules, tentative targets suggest a completion around 2030.

Sources

• Georgia Tech

This article is based on an official press release from Airbus and the SESAR Joint Undertaking.

Airbus and Partners Validate “Wake Energy Retrieval” Operations in Transatlantic Trials

On February 25, 2026, Airbus and a consortium of airline and air traffic management partners announced significant progress in the effort to reduce aviation emissions through biomimicry. The GEESE (Gain Environmental Efficiency by Saving Energy) project has successfully validated the operational procedures required for Wake Energy Retrieval (WER), a technique designed to save up to 5% in fuel consumption on long-haul flights.

According to the official announcement from Airbus, the milestones were achieved during a series of transatlantic flight trials conducted in late 2025. These trials demonstrated that commercial aircraft can be reliably paired in mid-flight to fly in formation, mimicking the energy-saving V-formation used by migrating geese. The project focuses specifically on the Air Traffic Management (ATM) challenges of coordinating such maneuvers without disrupting standard airspace operations.

The successful validation of these procedures marks a critical step toward commercial deployment, proving that existing navigation technology and new coordination tools can bring two independent aircraft to a precise rendezvous point in the middle of the ocean.

Trial Results: Precision and Potential Savings

The recent trials involved eight specific flights over the North Atlantic, designed to test the feasibility of guiding two aircraft from different departure points to a single geographic location at the exact same time. Airbus reports that the trials achieved a 75% success rate, with the aircraft reaching their designated rendezvous positions as scheduled.

While these specific trials maintained vertical separation, meaning the aircraft flew at different altitudes for safety reasons, data analysis projected the efficiency gains that would have occurred had the aircraft engaged in actual formation flying.

“Data analysis revealed that if the six successful pairings had engaged in actual Wake Energy Retrieval… they would have saved a total of 12 tonnes of fuel.”

This equates to approximately 2 tonnes of fuel saved per flight. The concept relies on a “follower” aircraft positioning itself approximately 1.5 to 2 nautical miles (3 km) behind a “leader” aircraft. In this position, the follower rides the smooth updraft of air, or wake, created by the leader, generating “free lift” that allows the trailing aircraft to reduce engine thrust.

The Four-Step Coordination Process

A primary goal of the GEESE project is to establish a safe, repeatable process for Air Traffic Control (ATC) and airlines to manage these pairings. The trials validated a four-step operational workflow:

1. Trajectory Computation: The Airbus Pairing Assistance Tool (PAT) calculates optimized flight paths and rendezvous instructions in real-time.
2. Operational Assessment: Dispatchers, flight crews, and ATC centers review the proposed trajectories to ensure they meet all safety and operational standards.
3. Visibility & Monitoring: A dedicated interface at the EUROCONTROL Innovation Hub allows all stakeholders to monitor the status of the pairing decision.
4. Commitment: Flight crews activate a cockpit function to “commit” to the rendezvous, adjusting speeds to ensure simultaneous arrival at the meeting point.

This process confirmed that the Pairing Assistance Tool (PAT) can effectively guide aircraft to a merge point while maintaining standard safety protocols.

AirPro News Analysis

The GEESE project represents a shift in how the aviation industry approaches efficiency. Historically, fuel savings have been driven by hardware improvements, lighter materials and more efficient engines. Wake Energy Retrieval, however, is a software and operations-driven solution.

Achieving a 5% reduction in fuel burn without modifying the airframe or engines is substantial. For context, a typical engine upgrade on a widebody aircraft might yield a 10-15% improvement but requires billions in development and years of certification. A 5% gain purely through formation flying offers a complementary “operational upgrade” that could be deployed alongside new engine technologies. The challenge remains regulatory: moving from vertically separated trials to actual close-formation flying (1.5nm separation) will require rigorous safety cases to satisfy global aviation authorities.

Project Background and Partners

The GEESE project is an evolution of Airbus’s earlier “fello’fly” demonstrator, which focused on the aerodynamics and flight control systems required for formation flying. GEESE expands this scope to address the logistical challenge of integrating these formations into global air traffic.

The collaboration involves a wide range of industry stakeholders, including:

• Lead: Airbus
• Airlines: Air France, Delta Air Lines, French bee, Virgin Atlantic
• Air Navigation Service Providers (ANSPs): AirNav Ireland, DSNA (France), NATS (UK), EUROCONTROL
• Technology Partners: Indra, ENAC, CIRA, DLR, Frequentis, Boeing

Airbus has stated that the project targets full commercial deployment by the mid-next decade. The next phase of development will focus on regulatory approval to allow aircraft to fly at the same altitude with reduced separation, a prerequisite for realizing the fuel savings demonstrated in the simulations.

Sources: Airbus | SESAR Joint Undertaking