Uber launched its first helicopter service called Uber Copter which will be carrying passengers from Manhattan to JFK for a one-way trip.
Customer will be able to order the helicopter on their app and for $200 – $250 one-way be transported from their homes to the heliport and they can be picked up from their home to a HeliFlite charter for the eight-minute ride to the airport.
The feature will be available in all of Manhattan south of Houston Street, and some areas with access to the West Side Highway. Passengers have the option to request the ride immediately, or up to five days in advance.
Helicopters ride only available to Platinum and Diamond members of the ride-sharing service those who have spent over $2,500 on Uber Pool or Uber Eats, or $833 or Uber X.
The service drew some flak from some New York leaders including New York’s mayor Bill de Blasio as he showed concern about the service after a fatal helicopter crash in the city that also raised questions about air traffic safety.
”I think we need a full ban on any helicopters going over Manhattan itself,” he said.
Uber officials claim they have teamed with HeliFlite because of its strong safety record.
”Uber Copter offers the first real demonstration of the Elevate experience,” said Eric Allison, head of Uber Elevate.
According to Dailymail, ”UberAir is a network of small, electric, aircraft that enable four-person ride-sharing flights in densely populated areas.”
”The ‘electrical vertical take-off and landing vehicles’ (eVTOLs) differ from helicopters in that they are quieter, safer, more affordable, and more environmentally-friendly, Uber claims.”
”Users will order the aircraft through the Uber app much like they would one of the firm’s taxis,”
”Uber predicts that trips from LAX to the Staples Centre during rush hour can be reduced from up to 1 hour 20 minutes on the ground to less than 30 minutes using UberAir.”