Joby Aviation’s Big $125-Million Leap Forward with Blade’s Passenger Business

Joby Aviation just made a big move, as the California-based company, known for its electric air taxis designed to zip people through urban skies, is buying the passenger transportation arm of Blade Air Mobility. This deal is worth up to $125 million and by folding in Blade’s network as well as expertise, Joby is getting a head start on its air taxi service, especially as it prepares to launch its first passenger flights in Dubai next year.

In 2024 alone, it flew over 50,000 people across 12 urban terminals, including high-profile locations like John F. Kennedy International Airport, Newark Liberty Airport and Wall Street. These aren’t just heliports; they’re dedicated lounges and terminals that offer a premium experience for travelers looking for quick hops across congested cities. Joby is getting all that infrastructure and access to prime urban markets in the US and southern Europe. For a company about to introduce electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, this is like getting a ready-made launchpad.

Building new terminals and convincing people to try a new mode of transport takes time and money. Blade’s existing setup—complete with a customer base and a decade of operational know-how—cuts both. Joby will integrate its in-house ElevateOS software into Blade’s operations to streamline costs and improve the passenger experience. The plan is to transition Blade’s routes from traditional helicopters to Joby’s quieter, emissions-free eVTOLs as soon as the FAA certifies them.

A Joby spokesperson said a joint effort with Blade’s team to map out this transition so it’s a seamless handoff. The financial terms are simple but flexible. Joby will pay Blade up to $125 million, either in stock or cash, with $35 million held back to be released when certain performance milestones and employee retention goals are met. This structure shows Joby trusts Blade’s team, led by founder and CEO Rob Wiesenthal, who will run the passenger business as a wholly-owned subsidiary. Wiesenthal himself sees Joby as the perfect partner to fulfill Blade’s original mission of making short-distance air travel accessible by swapping out noisy helicopters for electric aircraft.Beyond passenger transport, the acquisition opens up other opportunities.

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 shows the versatility of Joby’s aircraft, which can serve high-stakes missions beyond urban commuting. Imagine organs being whisked across cities in minutes, saving lives where every second counts. It’s a glimpse into the bigger picture of eVTOL technology.

JoeBen Bevirt, Joby’s founder and CEO called the acquisition a strategic win, not just for Dubai but for the company’s global ambitions. Blade’s infrastructure and customer base gives Joby a head start in markets where urban congestion makes air taxis an attractive option.