August 5, 2025

Joby Aviation, a prominent electric aircraft startup, made headlines on Monday with an announcement that it will acquire the passenger ride-share business of Blade Air Mobility for a deal worth up to $125 million. This strategic move is part of Joby’s broader goal to accelerate the deployment of electric air taxis in urban settings, paving the way for commercial passenger services in the near future. Notably, the acquisition excludes Blade's medical organ transplant division, which will continue to operate as a separate entity rebranded as Strata Critical Medical, but plans to collaborate with Joby for medical transportation services. As Joby aims to secure certification from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for its innovative electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, CEO JoeBen Bevirt highlighted that they are on schedule to initiate FAA Type Inspection flight testing by early next year. This testing is essential for moving toward their ultimate goal of launching commercial air taxi services. In discussing the acquisition, Bevirt expressed optimism, stating that the deal provides Joby with an established customer base, solid takeoff and landing locations, and over a decade of operational experience in the aviation industry. He described this as a major push forward—termed as a "launchpad" for Joby’s growth and capabilities in air transportation. The acquisition allows Joby to inherit Blade's knowledge and operational templates, which have proven effective across multiple urban locations. With Blade having transported more than 50,000 passengers across 12 urban terminals in 2024 alone, including major locations like JFK Airport in New York and Newark Liberty Airport, the existing framework and recognition of the Blade brand are seen as valuable assets in this acquisition. Blade’s current passenger operations will persist and be run by their CEO Rob Wiesenthal as a wholly-owned subsidiary under Joby. In interviews, Wiesenthal emphasized that Blade is the leading company in helicopter transportation globally. The combination of resources including infrastructure, established routes, and a strong brand is expected to enhance customer experience significantly. "It's more of an asset swap for the customer," Wiesenthal remarked, indicating the mutual benefits of the acquisition for passengers and the companies alike. For the transition period, the merged entity will operate both helicopters and Joby’s advanced eVTOL aircraft, signaling a gradual shift towards Joby’s electric air taxi services. The agreement also stipulates Joby's payment structure, including the base price and additional performance-related incentives, amounting to $35 million contingent on meeting specific performance milestones and retaining key talent from Blade. This upcoming shift could mark a substantial evolution in urban air mobility, with Joby poised to redefine passenger transportation with clean, electric solutions. As they continue to innovate and navigate regulatory pathways, the consolidation of operations between Joby and Blade could well signal the dawn of a new era in aviation.

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Tags: Joby aviation, Blade air mobility, Electric air taxis, Aviation acquisition, Faa certification,