Joby Aviation to buy Blade Air Mobility’s ride-share business

Joby Aviation, an electric air taxi developer, has agreed to acquire Blade Air Mobility’s helicopter ride-share business for up to $125 million. The acquisition includes the Blade brand and its passenger operations in the U.S. and Europe, while Blade’s medical transport division remains separate. Blade, founded in 2014, operates a digital platform that enables customers to book private helicopter rides on short routes, serving more than 50,000 passengers in 2024. The deal provides Joby with immediate access to Blade’s network of 12 terminals in key markets such as New York City, including dedicated lounges and bases at major airports and Manhattan locations. Joby plans to integrate its air taxi management software into Blade’s passenger service and eventually replace helicopters with its own electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. This acquisition is seen as strategically important for Joby’s planned commercial launch in Dubai and future global expansion. Founded in 2009, Joby has spent over a decade developing