Joby Aviation announced plans to acquire Blade Air Mobility’s passenger business for $125 million, gaining access to Blade’s infrastructure, routes, and customer base as Joby works to obtain regulatory approval for its battery-powered aircraft.
Why it matters: This acquisition marks a significant step in the advancement of electric air mobility, signaling a shift towards more sustainable and efficient air travel options.
The details:
- Blade currently offers helicopter taxi flights between Manhattan and nearby airports.
- Blade will transfer its short-distance routes in New York and southern Europe to Joby, well-suited for Joby’s electric aircraft designed to carry a pilot and four passengers up to 100 miles before recharging.
- Blade’s chartered jet service is included in the sale, but its organ transportation service is not.
Joby’s founder and CEO, JoeBen Bevirt, expressed optimism about the acquisition, expecting the company to begin crucial flight tests for FAA certification in early 2026 and aiming to carry its first passengers next year.
What they’re saying:
- “Blade has spent 10 years building a whole bunch of best-in-class infrastructure, really working to hone the customer experience,” said Bevirt. “We see that as a launchpad for helping us to accelerate the scale-out of our passenger service.”
The background: Companies like Joby have raised significant capital, formed partnerships with airlines and car manufacturers, tested aircraft with the military, and set up manufacturing facilities over the past decade.
What’s next: This acquisition positions Joby to prepare for the milestone of carrying its first passengers next year and marks a significant advancement in the urban air mobility sector.