Joby Aviation Expands Urban Air Mobility with Blade Acquisition
Urban air travel is entering a new era as Joby Aviation acquires Blade Air Mobility’s helicopter rideshare business in a deal worth up to $125 million. This strategic move is set to accelerate Joby’s path toward commercial electric air taxi operations while giving passengers faster, more convenient travel options in major cities. With this acquisition, Joby gains instant access to Blade’s established passenger network and urban terminals, laying the groundwork for a seamless transition from helicopters to electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft in the near future.
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Joby Aviation Secures Blade’s Urban Network
Joby Aviation’s acquisition includes Blade’s passenger business and brand across the United States and Europe, but it excludes Blade’s medical organ transport division, which will remain independent. This deal gives Joby a robust urban mobility infrastructure, including 12 premium terminals in key markets like New York City. These terminals feature exclusive lounges and access points at John F. Kennedy International Airport, Newark Liberty Airport, Manhattan’s West Side and East Side, and Wall Street.
Since its founding in 2014, Blade has operated as a tech-driven platform rather than a traditional airline. It doesn’t own aircraft but connects passengers to helicopter operators for short-hop urban routes. Its services are popular with business travelers and leisure passengers who want to skip traffic and reach destinations like The Hamptons or European hotspots, including routes from Nice to Monaco and Saint-Tropez. Blade carried over 50,000 passengers in 2024, reflecting growing demand for fast, premium urban mobility.
A Major Step for Joby Aviation in the Air Taxi Market
Joby Aviation, founded in 2009, has spent over a decade developing its eVTOL aircraft and building the software to manage air taxi operations. The acquisition of Blade’s rideshare business is a strategic leap forward as Joby prepares to launch its commercial services in Dubai and expand globally. By integrating Blade’s passenger network with its operational software, Joby can accelerate its transition from helicopters to electric air taxis, creating a cleaner, quieter, and more efficient urban transportation ecosystem.
The company’s long-term vision involves replacing traditional helicopter flights with sustainable electric aircraft, significantly reducing noise pollution and emissions in cities. Toyota-backed Joby went public in 2021 through a SPAC merger and has attracted major tech and venture capital support, signaling strong confidence in its market potential. This acquisition not only strengthens its urban footprint but also positions Joby to become a leader in next-generation air mobility.
The Future of Urban Air Travel with eVTOL Technology
This deal marks a pivotal moment for the urban air mobility industry. By leveraging Blade’s well-established brand, premium terminals, and loyal passenger base, Joby Aviation is setting the stage for the widespread adoption of electric air taxis. Urban travelers can expect faster point-to-point travel, fewer traffic delays, and an enhanced passenger experience.
As eVTOL aircraft become certified and enter commercial service, Joby plans to transition Blade’s network from helicopters to all-electric flights. This shift will transform how people move across congested cities, offering an eco-friendly and time-saving alternative to road travel. With cities increasingly focused on sustainable mobility solutions, Joby’s expansion signals a future where urban air travel is as accessible and routine as booking a rideshare on the ground.
