Acquisition Gives Electric Air Taxis Access to Blade’s Network of Terminals and Flyers

Joby Aviation recently announced that its acquisition of Blade Air Mobility’s passenger business has been finalized, providing a well-established global network of terminals and flyers for the company’s electric air taxis to lean on once they are ready for the market. The deal reportedly cost Joby $76 million in stocks.

The deal, confirmed on August 29, hands Joby leased space at heliports and airports in New York, Newark, Monte Carlo, Cannes, and Nice, as well as a group of frequent flyers who are accustomed to booking short trips through Blade’s app.

Blade’s passenger division was never more than an air charter brokerage, reselling seats on helicopters and small aircraft operated by other companies. Still, it brought in $102 million in revenue in 2024, earning a $3.6 million profit after a $5 million loss the year before. Joby figures that’s close enough to proof of concept to justify the buy. Blade has now rebranded as Strata Critical Medical, centered on its more consistently profitable organ transport business.

“By combining Joby’s aircraft with Blade’s established network, we’re creating an unmatched foundation for bringing quiet air travel to market,” said Joby chief executive JoeBen Bevirt. “Blade’s loyal flyers will be among the first to experience this new mode of transportation, and over time we look forward to making it even easier to access, integrated seamlessly into the apps and services people already use every day.”

Joby’s aircraft, powered by six electric motors, is still working its way through the FAA’s process. On the “crawl, walk, run” roadmap, Joby is still somewhere between crawling and standing… but Blade’s terminals and customer list give it a fast track once certification lands.

The $76 million figure is slightly lower than the $80 million Joby first disclosed, though the company may still owe up to $45 million more if certain performance and retention goals are met.

FMI: www.jobyaviation.com