On August 4, 2025, Joby Aviation, a frontrunner in the electric air taxi market, made a decisive move to consolidate its presence in urban air mobility by announcing the acquisition of Blade Air Mobility’s passenger business in a deal valued at up to $125 million. The transaction, involving a mix of cash and stock, is being viewed as a significant turning point in the emerging electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) industry. It brings together Joby’s next-generation aircraft technology with Blade’s operational infrastructure and passenger base, effectively positioning Joby as a full-stack operator in the race to redefine city transportation.
Blade Air Mobility, widely known for offering helicopter flights across urban corridors such as Manhattan to JFK and Newark airports, has built an extensive network of 12 urban terminals and served more than 50,000 passengers in 2024 alone. By absorbing Blade’s passenger operations, Joby gains instant access to both critical infrastructure and an affluent, travel-savvy customer base. The integration will help Joby scale its services more quickly than if it were building its own network from scratch.
What makes this acquisition even more notable is that it aligns perfectly with Joby’s broader strategy to integrate manufacturing, flight operations, and logistics—including its growing efforts in medical transport. While Blade’s organ transport division, now rebranded as Strata Critical Medical, remains publicly traded and separate, Joby will collaborate with it to further develop its logistics business, especially in areas like time-sensitive organ deliveries. This dual approach allows Joby to pursue both passenger services and specialized logistics without diluting focus.
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Joby CEO JoeBen Bevirt described the deal as a “launchpad” for urban air mobility, emphasizing that Blade brings more than just physical terminals—it offers an existing regulatory framework, operating licenses, and a trusted brand. Blade CEO Rob Wiesenthal will continue to lead the passenger side of the business as a Joby subsidiary, overseeing operations during a transitional period that will see the gradual replacement of helicopters with Joby’s quieter, more sustainable eVTOL aircraft.
Up to $35 million of the total acquisition price is contingent on performance-based milestones and the successful retention of Blade’s key personnel. This structure ensures that the transition maintains continuity in leadership, safety standards, and customer experience. As eVTOL aircraft move closer to commercial readiness, Blade’s operations are expected to serve as the backbone of Joby’s urban rollout strategy, especially in densely populated cities such as New York, Los Angeles, and Miami.
Analysts say this acquisition represents a major leap forward not just for Joby, but for the eVTOL sector at large. It allows Joby to accelerate its commercialization timeline while giving it an operational platform that would have taken years to develop independently. By owning both the aircraft and the customer interface, Joby is in a rare position to deliver a seamless, end-to-end urban air mobility experience.
Investors responded positively to the news. Joby’s stock rose by approximately 16 percent in early trading following the announcement, while Blade’s shares saw an initial surge of nearly 28 percent. These gains reflect confidence in Joby’s ability to transition Blade’s infrastructure into a scalable eVTOL-ready platform. With FAA certification for Joby’s aircraft expected in 2026, the timing of the acquisition aligns closely with its anticipated market entry.
The strategic alignment also extends internationally. Blade has been exploring operations in Europe and India, and these expansion plans could dovetail with Joby’s own ambitions to take its technology global. The synergies are clear: Blade brings operational expertise, while Joby brings transformative aircraft technology. Together, they offer a compelling vision for urban travel that is faster, quieter, and more sustainable than existing options.
The deal also underscores a shift in the competitive landscape of urban air mobility. Rather than relying solely on vehicle development, companies like Joby are increasingly focusing on vertical integration—controlling everything from the aircraft to the customer experience. This approach could allow Joby to outpace competitors who are still dependent on third-party operators or lack operational infrastructure.
With this acquisition, Joby has solidified its status as a front-runner in the race to commercialize air taxis. By marrying state-of-the-art technology with a real-world operational platform, the company is poised to turn the long-promised dream of flying cars into a functional and mainstream transportation option in the next few years.