FutureFlight
Uber Says Former Elevate Partners Can Offer Flights Through Its Ride-Hailing App
Joby Aviation is acquiring the Uber Elevate urban air mobility platform and intends to use it, under a new name, to offer flights in its own aircraft.
Joby Aviation S4 prototype
Joby Aviation is developing a four-seat all-electric eVTOL aircraft that it says will be ready to enter service in 2023. (Photo: Joby Aviation)

Uber has confirmed that former Uber Elevate manufacturing partners could potentially offer flights in their eVTOL aircraft via its ride-hailing ground transportation app following its sale of the urban air mobility platform to Joby Aviation. Joby intends to offer its own flight-booking app for trips in its own eVTOL aircraft and customers will be able to connect with car rides booked through Uber. It will not use the Elevate name for services, which are expected to begin in 2023.

In a statement, Uber confirmed that its new commercial agreement with Joby is non-exclusive. Its spokeswoman explained that any of the seven other eVTOL aircraft developers formerly partnered with Uber Elevate will still be free to offer their vehicles to book flights booking through the Uber app.