Joby Finalizes $125M Deal for Blade Air’s Passenger Operations

Joby Aviation has closed a landmark deal to acquire Blade Air Mobility’s passenger business for up to $125 million. The move is set to transform the landscape of urban air travel, merging Blade’s extensive customer base and city terminals with Joby’s all-electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) ambitions.

Blade’s medical organ transport unit stays independent, rebranding as Strata Critical Medical while partnering with Joby to accelerate high-priority medical flights across metro regions.

The Big Leap Toward eVTOL Services

Joby’s acquisition means inheriting Blade’s robust infrastructure, including 12 key urban terminals, such as New York’s JFK and Newark airports, and valuable experience shuttling over 50,000 passengers in 2024.

This brings ready flyers, prime routes, and operational know-how directly into Joby’s portfolio at a pivotal time for air taxi certification and deployment.

CEO JoeBen Bevirt emphasized that Blade’s operational legacy is a catalyst for scaling eVTOL operations: "We believe clean, quiet aircraft will unlock new city landing sites and make daily air travel possible for more people."

Did you know?
Blade flies more passengers by helicopter than any other vertical transport company in the world, having served over 50,000 passengers from 12 terminals in 2024.

The Road to FAA Certification

The deal comes as Joby works toward FAA certification for its next-generation all-electric aircraft. The company is preparing for Type Inspection authorization and full-scale flight testing in the coming year, a critical step before commercial electric air taxi service lifts off with paying passengers.

While helicopters remain part of the mix for now, the goal is a seamless transition to a fully electric fleet. Joby and Blade plan for a gradual phaseout of traditional rotorcraft, moving toward greener, quieter city commutes as eVTOLs clear regulatory hurdles.

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Route Network, Leadership, and a Transition Phase

Under the agreement, Blade’s U.S. and European passenger operations and its terminal network will operate as a Joby subsidiary led by Blade CEO Rob Wiesenthal. Customers should notice continuity: familiar routes, peerless access to busy airports, and now a roadmap toward silent, zero-emissions air taxis.

Wiesenthal described the merger as more an “asset swap” than a simple buyout, citing Blade’s unusual combination of urban locations, loyal flyers, and strong brand value. The two companies will run both helicopters and eVTOLs in tandem before fully shifting to Joby’s electric vision.

Financials, Performance, and What’s Next

Blade receives up to $125 million, with $35 million dependent on hitting key performance milestones and employee retention. Joby is strategically entering established markets while awaiting regulatory approval for high-volume electric service.

Industry watchers see the deal as a milestone for urban air mobility. By consolidating premier infrastructure and a loyal passenger base, Joby positions itself as an early front-runner when city skies open for widespread eVTOL service.

The coming months will be defined by progression toward FAA approval, deliberate integration of Blade’s expertise, and increasing public curiosity. Blade’s regular helicopter flyers could soon be among the world’s first regular eVTOL urban commuters, as the industry ascends into a new era of airborne mobility.