Joby Aviation set to acquire Blade Air Mobility's passenger operations division
In a strategic move aimed at advancing the commercialization of electric air taxis, Joby Aviation has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Blade Air Mobility's urban air mobility passenger business. This acquisition will position Joby as a key player in the aviation industry and bolster its global rollout.
The deal, which is anticipated to close in the coming weeks, pending the fulfilment of standard closing conditions, grants Joby immediate access to key urban markets, particularly in New York City and Southern Europe.
Joby Aviation's founder and CEO, JoeBen Bevirt, stated that the acquisition supports the successful launch of Joby's commercial operations in Dubai and its continued leadership in the sector. He believes that the acquisition will enable Joby to leverage Blade's urban air mobility operations, enhancing cost efficiency and passenger experience.
To achieve this, Joby's ElevateOS software, designed for efficient air taxi operations, will be integrated into Blade's systems. This integration will streamline operations and improve the overall user experience for Blade's customers.
Joby will also become the preferred vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) partner for Blade's organ transport business, which will be rebranded as Strata Critical Medical. This partnership will allow Joby to tap into Blade's existing infrastructure to transition a loyal customer base from traditional helicopter services to its next-generation aircraft.
Rob Wiesenthal, Blade's founder and CEO, is excited about the acquisition, believing there is no better partner than Joby to make Blade's mission of democratising short-distance air travel a reality. He will continue as CEO after the acquisition, leading Blade's operations under Joby.
The transaction will see Joby compensate Blade with stock or cash, up to $125m, contingent on customary indemnity provisions and performance milestones. It's important to note that the deal does not include Blade's Medical division.
Nominations for the Airport Technology Excellence Awards, which celebrate innovation, leadership, and impact in the aviation industry, are now open. This presents an opportunity for companies like Joby and Blade to showcase their achievements, elevate their industry profile, and position themselves among top leaders driving aviation industry advancements.
In June this year, Joby announced a partnership with Flexcompute to advance the development of its next-generation eVTOL aircraft. This partnership, along with the acquisition of Blade, underscores Joby's commitment to pushing the boundaries of aviation technology.
Blade successfully transported more than 50,000 passengers through a network of 12 urban terminals located in major air mobility markets in 2024. These terminals include dedicated facilities at John F. Kennedy International Airport, Newark Liberty Airport, and various locations in Manhattan.
Following the acquisition, Blade's operations will continue under the leadership of its founder and CEO, Rob Wiesenthal, as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Joby. This acquisition marks a significant step forward in the commercialization of electric air taxis and the democratisation of short-distance air travel.
