Joby Aviation Acquires Blade’s Passenger Brokerage and Marketing Business
Joby Aviation, a leading developer of electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) air taxis, announced that it is acquiring Blade Air Mobility’s passenger brokerage and marketing business for a base price of $90 million, with potential additional payments of up to $35 million contingent on performance targets.
For Joby this acquisition is a major strategic step in scaling urban air mobility services. Joby CEO JoeBen Bevirt told Reuters “the deal gives Joby existing customers, takeoff and landing locations, and a decade of operating experience.”
Blade Air Mobility, a New York-based urban air-mobility broker, operates passenger services from 12 terminals across the US and Europe, serving over 50,000 customers in 2024. The division generated $102 million in revenue last year and turned a modest profit after previously operating at a loss.
Joby plans to continue Blade’s helicopter operations initially while gradually transitioning customers to its eVTOL fleet as it completes FAA certification, expected to reach critical inspection milestones in early 2026. The company also plans to launch services in Dubai later that year.
Under the terms of the deal, Blade’s founder and CEO, Rob Wiesenthal, will join Joby as CEO of its Blade passenger unit and will serve as chairman of Strata Critical Medical — Blade’s remaining medical logistics business, which will continue to transport medical organ transplants under a new brand.
Following the announcement, Blade's shares rose nearly 30 percent, while Joby’s stock increased by around 18 percent. The transaction is expected to close in the coming weeks.
eVTOL is a type of aircraft that uses electric power for propulsion and can take off and land vertically, like a helicopter, without a runway. eVTOLs are designed to enable greener, quieter, and more efficient urban air mobility, promising to reduce noise, emissions, and urban traffic congestion.
Earlier, US ride-hailing company Lyft and Chinese technology company Baidu unveiled a strategic alliance to introduce autonomous robotaxi services in Europe.
