Joby Aviation (Joby) has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Blade Air Mobility’s (Blade’s) urban passenger transport business, marking a major step in its commercial growth strategy. The acquisition, valued at up to US$125 million in Joby stock or cash (at Joby’s election), includes all of Blade’s passenger operations across the US and Europe as well as the Blade brand. This figure includes US$35 million in holdbacks, which will be released upon achieving specific performance milestones and retaining key employees. The transaction is expected to close in the coming weeks, subject to customary closing conditions. Blade’s medical transport division is excluded from the deal and will continue as an independent public company under the new name Strata Critical Medical, partnering with Joby for organ transport wherever Joby operates.
The acquisition provides Joby immediate access to Blade’s established network and infrastructure, covering key urban air mobility corridors in New York City and Southern Europe. Blade operates twelve urban air terminals, including exclusive lounges and facilities at John F. Kennedy International Airport, Newark Liberty Airport, and several strategic Manhattan sites, such as Wall Street and both the West and East Sides. In 2024, Blade transported over 50,000 passengers, highlighting its operational experience and loyal customer base.
Blade’s passenger services will continue uninterrupted, with founder and CEO Rob Wiesenthal remaining at the helm, operating as a wholly owned subsidiary of Joby. The agreement enables Joby to transition Blade’s existing helicopter customer base to its electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, reducing infrastructure investment needs and customer acquisition costs.
Joby will also integrate its ElevateOS software into Blade operations to enhance efficiency and passenger experience, while the partnership with Strata Critical Medical will demonstrate the aircraft’s potential for high-value, mission-critical services beyond passenger transport. The acquisition strengthens Joby’s ability to scale its next-generation air taxi operations and positions it to launch its first passenger services in Dubai next year.
