Uber is taking to the skies with its new air taxi service in Dubai, previewing a booking system that mirrors its ground transportation app. Travelers will be able to reserve Joby Aviation's electric air taxis through the familiar Uber interface, selecting eligible routes and booking both flights and ground transportation to vertiports.

Joby's aircraft can carry four passengers at speeds up to 200 mph with a 100-mile range, featuring panoramic windows and SUV-sized interiors. The air taxis require human pilots for now, which typically suggests premium pricing, but Uber claims rides will cost about the same as Uber Black trips. The company plans to expand beyond Dubai to New York, Los Angeles, the UK, and Japan after completing FAA certification.

Aviation experts remain skeptical about widespread adoption in American cities, citing safety concerns and economic viability. A Los Angeles-based test pilot warned that helicopter failures have resulted in crashes into buildings and airports, while others question whether air taxis can achieve scale without government subsidies. Despite these challenges, Uber and Joby continue their partnership, with Joby having acquired Uber Elevate in 2021 and Blade Air Mobility's passenger business last year to accelerate their urban air mobility ambitions.