Joby Aviation Acquires Blade Air Mobility's Passenger Business.

Joby Aviation has confirmed a deal to acquire Blade Air Mobility's passenger business, excluding its medical division. The agreement marks a significant development in the urban air mobility market and reinforces Joby's position as a leading player in the industry. The transaction is expected to expand Joby's offerings and enhance its capabilities in the passenger segment.

Joby Aviation has confirmed a deal to acquire Blade Air Mobility's passenger business, excluding its medical division. This strategic acquisition positions Joby as a leading player in the urban air mobility market and expands its offerings in the passenger segment.

The agreement, announced on August 4, 2025, involves Joby acquiring Blade's passenger operations, lounges, terminals, and brand rights for up to $125 million. Following the transaction, Blade will rebrand as Strata Critical Medical, focusing exclusively on medical logistics and services through its Trinity Medical Solutions subsidiary. The divestiture is expected to be Adjusted EBITDA and Free Cash Flow neutral, with $7 million in annual corporate cost efficiencies [1].

The medical division, which represented 84% of 2024 Segment Adjusted EBITDA and 59% of Revenue, will remain separate but will partner with Joby for medical transportation. Blade's CEO Rob Wiesenthal will continue leading the passenger business as a Joby subsidiary, while Will Heyburn and Melissa Tomkiel will become Co-CEOs of Strata [1].

This acquisition is a significant development for Joby, providing immediate access to Blade's extensive urban air mobility infrastructure, including 12 urban terminals across key markets in the U.S. and Europe. The deal includes Blade's entire passenger operations, brand, and network of terminals, notably in New York City with locations at JFK, Newark, Manhattan's West and East sides, and Wall Street. Joby will leverage Blade's existing infrastructure and 50,000+ passenger base from 2024 to accelerate its transition from conventional helicopters to electric air taxis [2].

The acquisition supports Joby's commercial launch in Dubai next year and its global rollout plans. Joby's CEO, Rob Wiesenthal, stated, "This acquisition will significantly accelerate our commercialization efforts and position Joby as a leader in urban air mobility" [2].

The transaction is expected to have a neutral impact on Blade's financials, with the medical division continuing to generate a substantial portion of the company's revenue. Blade's focus on medical logistics and services through its Trinity Medical Solutions subsidiary will allow it to maintain its position in the critical transportation solutions market.

References:
[1] https://www.stocktitan.net/news/BLDE/
[2] https://www.stocktitan.net/news/BLDE/