Electric air taxi pioneer buys a seat in the sky with Blade’s routes, customers, and city landing pads
Joby Aviation, a top name in the race to electrify short-distance air travel, is buying the passenger business of Blade Air Mobility in a $125 million deal, signaling a bold move to get closer to real-world fliers — and regulators.
The agreement brings Joby one step closer to launching commercial operations by plugging it into Blade’s existing network of routes, heliports, and airport transfer services in some of the world’s busiest cities.
A landing pad in Manhattan, a foothold in Europe
Blade isn’t just a luxury helicopter company; it’s a brand.
From New York rooftops to the Mediterranean coast, Blade has built a loyal base of travelers who pay for convenience — and speed. Its flights from Manhattan to JFK or to the Hamptons aren’t just quick; they’re routine. That’s exactly what Joby needs.
For Joby, the deal is about more than just equipment. It’s about:
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Access to Blade’s operational know-how
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Existing landing infrastructure in dense cities
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A paying customer base familiar with high-end air travel
Joby has spent years refining its all-electric aircraft — a vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) machine that’s more like a silent helicopter than a small plane. But engineering is only half the battle.
“The challenge now is proving the business model,” said one person familiar with the company’s regulatory timeline.
Why Joby wants Blade now
Timing matters here.
Joby is still waiting for full FAA certification of its eVTOL aircraft, but it’s not starting from scratch. Earlier this year, the company completed a milestone flight at Edwards Air Force Base, and it’s been testing aircraft with the U.S. military under a $131 million contract.
With its first commercial launches expected in 2026, Joby needs real-world operations experience — fast. Buying Blade’s passenger operations gives it exactly that.
In a statement, Joby CEO JoeBen Bevirt said the move was about preparing for scale.
“It allows us to build on Blade’s brand and operations while preparing for the seamless integration of our quiet, emissions-free aircraft,” he said.
What Blade gets in return
It’s easy to think Blade’s just cashing out. But they’re not exiting the skies.
Blade will keep its medical transport and jet charter units. The sale covers only its short-distance passenger flights — the most visible but not necessarily most profitable part of the business.
Here’s how the deal breaks down:
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$125 million purchase price, split between cash and stock
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Transfer of Blade’s airport routes, heliport access, and customer base
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Continued partnership on transition to electric aircraft
Rob Wiesenthal, Blade’s CEO, framed the deal as an evolution.
“Partnering with Joby allows us to maintain our strong brand presence while accelerating our shift to electric vertical aircraft,” he said in a call with analysts.
Table: Comparing the Two Players
| Company | Focus Area | Fleet Type | Regulatory Status | Notable Operations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Joby Aviation | eVTOL aircraft development | Electric aircraft | FAA certification pending | Test flights with U.S. Air Force |
| Blade Air Mobility | Passenger air mobility services | Helicopters | Fully licensed | NYC, Hamptons, Nice, Monaco |
Both companies say they expect a smooth transition — and plan to keep Blade’s brand intact during the early integration.
A quiet shift in the sound of cities
This deal isn’t just about finance. It’s about what cities sound like.
Traditional helicopters are loud, carbon-heavy, and tightly regulated. Joby’s aircraft — assuming they perform as promised — are quiet enough to be mistaken for passing delivery drones. That’s a game-changer in places like Manhattan or downtown Los Angeles, where noise ordinances are strict and complaints come quickly.
Noise isn’t a side issue. It’s the whole pitch.
“Quiet operation is our differentiator,” Bevirt told investors. “It’s what makes urban air mobility feasible at scale.”
And it’s not just city dwellers paying attention. Urban planners, regulators, and even environmental groups have shown cautious optimism — provided the tech delivers.
Challenges still flying overhead
Still, there’s a big difference between test flights and rush hour.
Regulators are moving carefully. FAA approval for Joby’s aircraft is expected in late 2025 or early 2026, but delays are always on the table. Public acceptance is another unknown.
Aviation consultant Brian Foley put it bluntly: “This is a bet on the future. And while Joby’s tech is impressive, they still need to prove people will ride it, regularly.”
And then there’s competition. Archer Aviation, Lilium, Volocopter — they’re all racing for the same skies, with similar promises of clean, fast, quiet flight.
One more step toward commercial launch
Still, this deal puts Joby ahead of the pack — at least in terms of market readiness.
Blade gives Joby a customer pipeline, tested operations, and urban access — things that take years to build. By acquiring instead of partnering, Joby shortens its route to launch.
Whether regulators — and customers — will come along for the ride remains to be seen.
