Joby Acquires Blade's Air Taxi Unit for $125M to Boost UAM Expansion

Joby Aviation Inc. (NYSE: JOBY), a leader in the development of electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, has moved closer to commercializing its air taxi services with the acquisition of Blade Air Mobility’s passenger business for $125 million. The deal, announced on July 23, 2025, includes a mix of cash and stock and excludes Blade’s medical logistics division, which will operate independently as a publicly traded company [1].

This strategic acquisition grants Joby access to Blade’s established urban air mobility (UAM) infrastructure, including ground hubs in New York City and Southern Europe, a coordination network of 12 terminals, and a proprietary route optimization platform. These assets are critical for the successful and scalable rollout of air taxi services, enabling Joby to integrate its eVTOL technology with proven operational models [3].

Blade’s decision to exit the air taxi market and focus on its 24/7 MediMobility division highlights the growing demand for specialized air transport solutions in the medical logistics sector. This shift allows Blade to capitalize on its expertise in urgent cargo and emergency services, while Joby strengthens its position in the broader UAM space. Analysts note that while the UAM sector faces regulatory and infrastructure challenges, companies making tangible progress in commercial deployment are increasingly viewed as long-term investment opportunities [2].

Joby’s acquisition aligns with its broader strategy of building a comprehensive UAM ecosystem. The company has previously expanded its capabilities through the purchase of Xwing’s autonomy division in June 2024, enhancing its readiness for fully autonomous flight. In early August, Joby also partnered with L3Harris Technologies to develop hybrid vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) aircraft for logistics and combat missions, with operational demonstrations expected to begin in 2026 [4]. These developments reflect the company’s dual focus on civilian and defense applications of eVTOL technology.

On the commercial front, Joby has doubled its manufacturing capacity in California and is leveraging its expanded production facilities in Ohio, supported by a $250 million investment from Toyota. The collaboration with Toyota aims to streamline manufacturing and optimize design processes, strengthening Joby’s position as a reliable player in the emerging UAM industry [6]. With regulatory approvals pending, Joby is targeting a 2026 launch for its air taxi services in Dubai and the U.S., pending FAA certification [3].

The deal is expected to close in the coming months, subject to regulatory approval. Analysts have set an average price target of $8.75 per share for Joby, with an estimated ceiling of $13, reflecting the market’s optimism about the UAM sector despite its early-stage risks [2]. As the industry continues to evolve, companies like Joby that demonstrate both technological and operational progress are likely to gain the most traction.

Sources:

[1] Tokenist – [https://tokenist.com/joby-aviation-joby-strengthens-air-taxi-ambitions-with-blade-acquisition/](https://tokenist.com/joby-aviation-joby-strengthens-air-taxi-ambitions-with-blade-acquisition/)

[2] Seeking Alpha – [https://seekingalpha.com/article/4808298-joby-aviation-why-acquiring-blade-air-mobility-makes-sense](https://seekingalpha.com/article/4808298-joby-aviation-why-acquiring-blade-air-mobility-makes-sense)

[3] ePlaneAI – [https://www.eplaneai.com/news/joby-to-acquire-blades-passenger-division-to-advance-air-taxi-services](https://www.eplaneai.com/news/joby-to-acquire-blades-passenger-division-to-advance-air-taxi-services)

[4] ePlaneAI – [https://www.eplaneai.com/news/blade-exits-air-taxi-market-sells-unit-to-joby-to-focus-on-medical-logistics](https://www.eplaneai.com/news/blade-exits-air-taxi-market-sells-unit-to-joby-to-focus-on-medical-logistics)

[6] MLQ.ai – [https://mlq.ai/news/](https://mlq.ai/news/)