Joby Aviation Acquires Blade's Helicopter Rideshare Business for $125M

Blade Air Mobility is selling its helicopter rideshare business to Joby Aviation for $125 million. Joby will not acquire Blade's medical transport unit, which will be spun off into a new public company named Strata Critical Medical. Blade transported over 50,000 passengers in 2024, and its founder and CEO, Rob Wiesenthal, will continue to oversee passenger operations. The acquisition comes as Joby works to get its eVTOLs certified by the FAA.

Joby Aviation, a leading developer of electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, has acquired Blade Air Mobility's passenger division in a deal worth up to $125 million. The acquisition aims to accelerate Joby's commercialization efforts by providing immediate access to established infrastructure and a loyal customer base [1].

Blade Air Mobility, which transported over 50,000 passengers in 2024, will continue its operations as a subsidiary of Joby, under the leadership of its founder and CEO, Rob Wiesenthal. The acquisition includes Blade's network of 12 urban terminals in high-value locations such as John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), and several heliports in Manhattan [3].

Joby Aviation will not acquire Blade's medical transport unit, which will be spun off into a new public company named Strata Critical Medical. This new entity will partner with Joby to use its eVTOL aircraft for medical missions [3].

The acquisition comes as Joby works towards obtaining final certification from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for its eVTOLs. The company plans to launch its first commercial services in Dubai next year and subsequently in other markets as its aircraft is certified [3].

The deal is expected to close within weeks and will be settled in cash or Joby shares, with up to $35 million in performance bonuses if certain goals are hit [1].

References:
[1] https://finimize.com/content/joby-aviation-acquires-blade-brand-in-125-million-deal
[2] https://nypost.com/2025/08/04/us-news/futuristic-air-taxi-firm-joby-expands-nyc-global-footprint-with-125m-deal-as-it-nears-fed-certification-for-passengers/
[3] https://www.aviacionline.com/joby-aviation-to-acquire-blades-passenger-business-for-up-to-125-million-to-speed-market-entry