Joby Acquires Blade's Helicopter Ride-Share Unit for $125M

Joby Aviation is acquiring Blade Air Mobility's helicopter ride-share business for $125 million. The deal will boost Joby's eVTOL business and create a new ride-hailing service. Joby CEO JoeBen Bevirt sees the US regulatory landscape as supportive of the company's growth, allowing it to focus on expanding its fleet and services.

In a strategic move to bolster its electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) business, Joby Aviation has acquired Blade Air Mobility's helicopter ride-share business for up to $125 million. The deal, announced on July 2, 2025, will integrate Blade's established passenger transportation network and expertise into Joby's operations, providing a significant head start for Joby's air taxi service [1].

Blade Air Mobility, known for its high-profile urban terminals and premium travel experience, will contribute its infrastructure and customer base to Joby. The acquisition will also bring in Blade's operational know-how, which includes flying over 50,000 people across 12 urban terminals in 2024 alone [1]. Joby plans to transition Blade's routes from traditional helicopters to its quieter, emissions-free eVTOL aircraft once the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certifies them.

The financial terms of the acquisition are flexible, with Joby paying Blade up to $125 million, either in stock or cash, with $35 million held back for performance milestones and employee retention goals [1]. Joby will integrate its in-house ElevateOS software into Blade's operations to streamline costs and improve the passenger experience.

Beyond passenger transport, the acquisition opens up opportunities for Joby in the medical sector. Blade's medical division, which will remain a separate public company called Strata Critical Medical, has named Joby its preferred eVTOL partner for organ transport. This partnership highlights the versatility of Joby's aircraft in serving high-stakes missions beyond urban commuting [1].

JoeBen Bevirt, Joby's founder and CEO, called the acquisition a strategic win for the company's global ambitions. "Blade’s infrastructure and customer base give us a head start in markets where urban congestion makes air taxis an attractive option," Bevirt said [1].

Joby's acquisition of Uber Elevate in 2020 also positioned it as a frontrunner in the urban air mobility (UAM) industry. The acquisition brought $125 million in investment and critical software infrastructure, accelerating Joby's trajectory toward launching commercial air taxi operations [2]. Joby's strong financial footing, with $1.5 billion in cash reserves, allows it to sustain its research, development, and certification efforts [2].

However, Joby faces considerable regulatory challenges. As of 2025, the company has completed 43% of the FAA's Stage 4 certification requirements and 62% of its internal development milestones. Type Inspection Authorization (TIA) flight testing is anticipated within the next year [2]. Joby is also actively collaborating with the NAA Network to harmonize international standards by 2027 [2].

In conclusion, Joby Aviation's acquisition of Blade Air Mobility's helicopter ride-share business for $125 million is a significant step forward in its eVTOL business. The deal will leverage Blade's established network and expertise to create a new ride-hailing service, positioning Joby as a leader in the urban air mobility market.

References:
[1] https://www.techeblog.com/joby-aviation-125-million-blade-air-mobility/
[2] https://www.eplaneai.com/news/joby-aviations-acquisition-of-uber-elevate-and-its-role-in-urban-air-mobility