Joby Aviation Acquires Blade Air Mobility’s Ride-Share Business
▼ Summary
– Joby Aviation will acquire Blade Air Mobility’s helicopter ride-share business for up to $125 million, including its U.S. and European operations.
– Blade’s medical division, which transports organs, is excluded from the deal and will remain a separate company.
– The acquisition gives Joby access to Blade’s network of 12 terminals in key markets like New York City, including dedicated lounges and airport bases.
– Blade, founded in 2014, operates a digital booking platform for private helicopter rides and flew over 50,000 passengers in 2024.
– Joby plans to integrate its air taxi software into Blade’s service, eventually replacing helicopters with electric air taxis.
Joby Aviation has struck a deal to acquire Blade Air Mobility’s urban air mobility business in a transaction valued up to $125 million, marking a significant step in the expansion of electric air taxi services. The agreement includes Blade’s passenger operations across the U.S. and Europe, along with its brand, while its medical transport division remains independent.
Blade’s existing infrastructure provides Joby with immediate access to 12 strategically located terminals, including prime spots in New York City such as JFK Airport, Newark Liberty Airport, and key Manhattan hubs. The company’s digital platform, which connects passengers with helicopter services for short-haul routes, has gained traction among affluent travelers looking to bypass congested roads. In 2024 alone, Blade facilitated over 50,000 flights, serving routes from Manhattan to The Hamptons and international destinations like Nice to Monaco.
Rob Wiesenthal, Blade’s founder and CEO, will continue leading the business under Joby’s ownership, ensuring continuity for its high-net-worth clientele. Joby CEO JoeBen Bevirt emphasized the acquisition’s role in accelerating the company’s global commercial rollout, starting with Dubai. The integration of Joby’s proprietary air taxi management software into Blade’s operations will pave the way for transitioning from helicopters to electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft in the future.
Joby, backed by Toyota and publicly traded since its 2021 SPAC merger, has spent over a decade developing its eVTOL technology for urban mobility. The deal includes $35 million in contingent payments, tied to Blade’s performance and employee retention, reflecting Joby’s confidence in the business’s growth potential.
This acquisition positions Joby to dominate the emerging urban air mobility market, combining Blade’s established customer base with its own cutting-edge electric aircraft technology. As cities worldwide seek sustainable transportation solutions, the merger could redefine how people navigate congested urban landscapes.
(Source: TechCrunch)
