Uber trials helicopter service in Sao Paulo

Uber took to the skies in Brazil’s biggest city this week, with the ride-hailing app offering helicopters to commuters wishing to escape the notorious São Paulo traffic.

The service is inexpensive, too, with rides starting at 66 reals, or about £13.40.

São Paulo already boasts a large helicopter fleet - around 400 - but using them to commute has been the domain of the ultra-elite looking to fly above the city’s famous jams on the ground.

US-based vehicle sharing technology giant Uber has launched a month-long pilot programme with the helicopters, and is offering the promotional prices until Thursday this week.

The 66 real fare will buy one seat from Helicentro Morumbi, in one of the wealthiest parts of town, to the Blue Tree Hotel/

A ride from the Blue Tree to Guarulhos Airport will cost 271 reals during the promotion, which by car could take up to three hours depending on the traffic.

Media-shy Uber has not been forthcoming with how much the usual prices will be after Thursday, nor did they say how many helicopters they can count on from the three companies operating the service.

The service, connecting five heliports and four airports around São Paulo, is part of Uber’s partnership with Airbus, announced in January.

Spanish rival Cabify is already investigating offering helicopter rides in São Paulo, having launched its car service on Monday.