Uber to launch New York City helicopter rides in July

Uber is testing a helicopter service in New York City, according to documents outlining the program obtained by Bloomberg.

Passengers will be able to use the Uber app to book a flight through the service, called Uber Copter, the documents show. Tests flights took off from a Manhattan heliport near Wall Street to John F. Kennedy International Airport.

Customers are expected to be able to book flights starting July 9 in New York City at an average ride of US$200-US$225 a person. Eric Allison, the head of Uber’s flight business, said the company plans to eventually offer helicopter rides in other cities. A spokesman for Uber declined to comment.

Helicopters have been whisking travelers from Manhattan to nearby airports for decades.

Most recently, a startup called Blade Urban Air Mobility even lets customers book using an app. It currently offers regular flights from Manhattan to three airports six days a week for as little as US$195. “There may be no greater validation of Blade’s strategy than Uber entering the urban air mobility market in New York City,” said Blade CEO Rob Wiesenthal.

Read more: At $195, Blade's NY to JFK helicopter service takes on Uber Black

As Uber geared up last month for America’s largest initial public offering since 2014, the company emphasized its investment in various modes of transportation. In addition to the world’s largest ride-hailing service for cars, it operates self-driving vehicles, electric bicycles, scooter rentals and now helicopters. This week sees Uber host a conference in Washington DC  about flying urban transport.

When Uber Copter arrives next month, it will only be available to members of the company’s Uber Rewards loyalty program who qualify for the top two tiers, Platinum and Diamond, said a person familiar with the plans.

Read more: The Uber Rewards loyalty program explained

The rides can be booked on demand or up to five days ahead of time, said the person, who asked not to be identified. Each helicopter can accommodate five passengers, and like Uber car rides, prices will fluctuate based on demand and other factors.

The documents on Uber’s test flights show it shuttled two groups of riders on April 11. The rides, from Manhattan to JFK and back, took five passengers each way. The documents list the names of Uber employees on the manifest. According to the documents, passengers are to be greeted with, “Hello, welcome to Uber Copter."