04.08.2025 21:21
Joby Aviation, a prominent player in the electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft sector, has reached an agreement to acquire Blade Air Mobility's passenger transportation division for a sum potentially reaching $125 million. This significant acquisition includes a base price augmented by up to $35 million contingent upon achieving specific performance targets and retaining key personnel.
Importantly, this transaction exclusively involves Blade's passenger operations; its organ transplant division, set to be rebranded as Strata Critical Medical, remains independent. While operating as a separate publicly traded entity, Strata Critical Medical will engage in collaborative efforts with Joby Aviation in the area of medical transportation, leveraging combined expertise.
This strategic move solidifies Joby Aviation's ambitious expansion into the burgeoning flying taxi market. Currently, Joby is actively pursuing Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certification for its eVTOLs, with CEO JoeBen Bevirt anticipating the commencement of crucial FAA Type Inspection flight testing early in the coming year – a pivotal step towards launching commercial operations.
Bevirt emphasizes the acquisition's strategic value, highlighting the acquisition of Blade's established customer base, extensive network of takeoff and landing sites, and a wealth of operational experience accumulated over a decade. He described the deal as a “launchpad,” a significant catalyst for scaling Blade's existing operational successes and expanding into new markets. He further noted the potential for environmentally friendly aircraft to open up numerous new locations for vertical take-off and landing.
Blade Air Mobility, having transported over 50,000 passengers in 2024 from twelve urban terminals – including New York's JFK Airport and multiple Manhattan locations – will continue its passenger operations under Joby Aviation's ownership, retaining Blade CEO Rob Wiesenthal in a leadership role. Wiesenthal himself framed the acquisition as an advantageous exchange of assets, emphasizing Blade's extensive operational experience and well-established customer relationships. He also indicated a transition period involving the operation of both helicopters and Joby's eVTOLs. The acquisition represents a significant step forward for Joby Aviation, leveraging existing infrastructure to accelerate its entry into commercial service.
