Soon, Uber will offer quick helicopter rides: Details here
Back in 2015, ride-hailing giant Ola played a witty April Fools' Day prank by announcing OLA Air - helicopter rides for metro cities. The prank came and went away, but Uber, Ola's biggest competitor in India, has taken the whole thing pretty seriously. The company is gearing up to offer 'Uber Copter' chopper trips to those living in New York. Here's all about it.
Quick flights in New York
Three years ago, Uber piloted the idea of Uber Copter in the city of São Paulo, Brazil. The company worked with Airbus-owned A3 to offer helicopter trips for a while but then decided to end the trial run. Now, in a major move, it is bringing back quick Uber Copter flights for New Yorkers, thanks to a partnership with another helicopter service - HeliFlite.
How Uber Copter would work
Starting July 9, anyone living the New York City area would be able to book Uber Copter trips. The booking process would work just like calling a regular Uber, letting you enjoy air-trips between lower Manhattan and the JFK International Airport and vice versa. To note, once you book, an Uber (car) will take you to the nearest helipad for the Uber Copter ride.
How much the flight would cost
As one could expect, Uber Copter rides won't come cheap. A one way flight from lower Manhattan to the JFK Airport would cost about $200, which is nearly Rs. 14,000 in India. This will, however, include everything; the ride from pickup point to the helipad, the twin-engine helicopter ride, and finally the ride from the landing helipad to the final destination.
Journey will be completed in nearly 30 minutes
Uber Copter flights will contribute significantly in dodging the problem of traffic. But, do note that the total flight time would be 8 minutes in the entire half-hour-long trip. Also, you won't be allowed to take more than 40 pounds of luggage.
Can Uber offer something similar for Indians?
As of now, Uber Copter rides will only operate in NYC and there's no word on when or if the service will expand to other countries, including India. However, it is worth noting that Uber is already working progressively on its flying taxi program - Uber Elevate. It would be a plane-helicopter hybrid with four spine-stacked rotors to provide lift.
