Joby Aviation snaps up Blade’s air taxi network in $125m deal to accelerate eVTOL launch
Joby Aviation has agreed to acquire Blade Air Mobility’s passenger business in the United States and Europe for up to $125 million, in a move designed to…
August 4, 2025
Joby Aviation has agreed to acquire Blade Air Mobility’s passenger business in the United States and Europe for up to $125 million, in a move designed to fast-track its transition from aircraft developer to urban air mobility operator.
The deal, announced on 4 August, will give Joby control of Blade’s established network of heliports, lounges, and regular passenger operations across key cities. It sees this as paving the way for a smoother introduction of its electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft in the years ahead.
Under the terms of the deal, Joby will acquire Blade’s brand and passenger operations for a total consideration of up to $125 million, paid in cash or Joby shares. Around $35 million of the total is contingent on Blade meeting performance milestones, including retaining key staff and hitting passenger volume targets.
The transaction does not include Blade’s medical transport business, which will be spun out into a new company called Strata Critical Medical and will continue operating independently.
Joby takes a shortcut for eVTOL air taxi infrastructure
For Joby, the acquisition offers a significant operational shortcut. Blade has built up a robust ecosystem of city-to-airport and intra-city routes. In New York City, it serves major terminals including JFK, Newark, and Manhattan’s West 30th Street Heliport.
In 2024, Blade flew more than 50,000 passengers, a customer base Joby can now tap directly when it begins offering eVTOL services.
“This transaction provides us with a strong foundation of operations in key target markets and enables us to begin ramping up our service using conventional helicopters, before transitioning to eVTOL aircraft,” says JoeBen Bevirt, founder and CEO of Joby. “Blade’s business and brand are a great fit for Joby, and we look forward to working together to deliver on the vision of quiet, zero-emissions air travel.”
Joby intends to maintain Blade’s operations as a wholly owned subsidiary, retaining its leadership team, including CEO Rob Wiesenthal. The business will continue to run its existing helicopter routes while preparing for the eventual integration of Joby’s battery-electric aircraft once certification is complete.
Joby and Blade partnership gives eVTOLs a head start in the US
The move aligns with Joby’s broader strategy to begin commercial passenger operations in select cities well ahead of many competitors. With initial service planned for 2026 in Dubai, Joby is also targeting early US operations once FAA certification is secured, expected in 2026.
The acquisition of Blade’s infrastructure, which includes 12 terminals across the US and Europe, allows Joby to sidestep the major challenge of building out new vertiports from scratch.
Blade’s existing customer app and operational platform will also be integrated with Joby’s ElevateOS, a proprietary software system designed to manage everything from scheduling and aircraft routing to maintenance and payments.
“Blade has built a strong brand and a loyal customer base by delivering seamless air mobility experiences,” says Wiesenthal. “Joining Joby allows us to accelerate the shift to quiet, sustainable aviation, while continuing to serve our fliers with the same quality and reliability.”
Blade will spin off its medical logistics business
Blade’s non-passenger business, focused on urgent medical logistics such as organ transport, will not be included in the deal.
Instead, that division will be spun off into a newly listed company, Strata Critical Medical, which will continue to work with Joby on missions where eVTOL aircraft may offer advantages in noise reduction, speed, or landing site access.
Joby has previously announced a $1 billion framework agreement with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and has partnerships with Delta Air Lines in the US and various airport operators globally. The Blade acquisition adds a key operational layer to those strategic ambitions.
Advancing Joby towards becoming an AAM provider
The acquisition reflects a broader trend in the advanced air mobility (AAM) sector, where manufacturers are seeking greater control over the passenger experience and the infrastructure needed to deliver it.
By acquiring Blade’s operating business, Joby gains not just physical access to major urban markets but also regulatory and customer service experience that will be vital for successful certification and rollout.
With the transaction expected to close in the coming weeks, Joby has taken a decisive step toward becoming not just an aircraft maker but a vertically integrated advanced air mobility provider.
