The Sky-High Shakeup: Uber Air Taxi Set for Takeoff as Hyundai Hits Turbulence
The dream of the “flying car” just took two very different turns. While Hyundai’s ambitious air mobility wing, Supernal, recently underwent a massive restructuring—laying off 296 employees (nearly 80% of its 380-person staff)—ride-hailing giant Uber is doubling down. Moving from the drawing board to the flight deck, the Uber Air Taxi service is officially entering its commercialization phase, promising to turn hour-long gridlock into a few minutes of scenic flight.
Hyundai’s “Strategic Pivot” vs. Uber’s Global Launch
Industry analysts suggest Supernal is struggling to keep pace with competitors and prove the immediate commercial viability of its craft. Despite the layoffs, Hyundai maintains it isn’t shutting down, but rather “optimizing” for the long term.
Meanwhile, Uber has a much tighter timeline. Partnering with aerospace startup Joby Aviation, Uber plans to launch its first commercial air taxi service in Dubai by the end of 2026. Following a six-year exclusive agreement in the UAE, the service is expected to land in major U.S. hubs like Los Angeles as soon as the FAA gives the final green light.
How It Works: Booking Your Flight in the Uber App
The Uber Air Taxi experience is designed to be as seamless as ordering a sandwich. When the service goes live, users will see “Uber Air” as a premium option right alongside UberX and Uber Black.
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The Integrated Journey: Choosing the air option doesn’t just get you a flight. It organizes a “multi-modal” trip: an Uber Black picks you up, drops you at a “vertiport” (a specialized landing pad), you fly over the traffic, and another vehicle meets you at the destination.
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The Cost: While exact pricing remains under wraps, Uber indicates that the aerial portion will be priced similarly to an Uber Black trip on the ground. You’ll see the total price per passenger before you tap “Confirm.”
Inside the Machine: The Joby eVTOL
The aircraft itself is a marvel of 2026 tech. The Joby-developed craft is a 4-passenger electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) vehicle featuring:
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Performance: 6 tilting propellers allowing for a top speed of 200 mph and a 100-mile range per charge.
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Quiet Luxury: Designed specifically for urban environments, the craft is remarkably silent and features large panoramic windows for a “VIP” view of the city.
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Safety Record: The aircraft has already logged over 50,000 miles in test flights and is currently in the final stages of FAA type certification.
The Bottom Line
The race for the skies is narrowing. While some manufacturers are scaling back to refine their tech, Uber and Joby are betting that the world is ready to look up. If the Dubai launch succeeds this year, your morning commute above the 405 might be closer than you think.
BY HOONSIK WOO [woo.hoonsik@koreadaily.com]
