There are more solutions than obstacles… and sometimes, you just need to buy those solutions. Nicolas Zart 😉
August 4, 2025 — Joby Aviation, a leader in electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft development, announced today a strategic acquisition of Blade Air Mobility’s passenger operations across the United States and Europe. Valued at up to $125 million, this move strengthens Joby’s position in the rapidly evolving advanced air mobility (AAM) market by gaining well-established operational locations, dedicated terminal infrastructure, and a loyal customer base.
We previously looked into Joby’s strategy versus Archer’s in this article. We determined how different their strategies are, yet their visions are similar. Today’s news will surely send ripples in the industry and will necessitate a response from Archer, if history is to repeat itself.
Expanding Infrastructure, Accelerating Growth
Blade’s passenger division includes key passenger terminals and lounges operating in major urban centers, such as New York City, Southern Europe, and other vital corridors. This acquisition unlocks direct access to these known passenger locations, critical for any aspiring urban air mobility (UAM) startup.
Joby’s well-underway eVTOL certification and now Blade’s vast assets accelerate its vertical integration strategy of aircraft design, operations, and infrastructure development. With these new assets under its wing, Joby can deploy its air taxi services more rapidly in high-demand markets, extending its reach and strengthening its network.
Deal Structure and Strategic Benefits
Under the agreement, Joby will pay up to $125 million, either in cash or stock, including $35 million contingent on defined performance targets and key personnel retention. However, Blade’s medical transport division will remain independent, renamed Strata Critical Medical. It will partner with Joby to leverage eVTOL aircraft for mission-critical medical logistics.
Blade’s founder and CEO, Rob Wiesenthal, will continue to lead the passenger business under Joby’s ownership, ensuring continuity while combining decades of operational experience with Joby’s cutting-edge technology.
Implications for the Future of Urban Air Mobility
Strategically, this acquisition exemplifies the growing trend in electric air mobility, where companies moving beyond aircraft manufacturing need to embrace complete ecosystem control, building vertically integrated operations that include infrastructure, flight services, and customer experience. It also shows how those AAM companies that were well-funded earlier on can now focus on infrastructure developments.
Essentially, Joby gains access to Blade’s already well-established passenger terminals and urban locations, which shortens the timeline for rolling out commercial air taxi services. While the company has struggled financially in the past years and expanded aggressively, Joby’s acquisition helps recoup some of the investors’ funds. This also means that Joby can leverage Blade’s existing customer base and brand reputation. This move consolidates Joby’s all-integrated operations and infrastructure under one operator. This will facilitate passenger journey, coordinated scheduling, ticketing, and customer service.
It also opens up entry in crowded cities, opening more flight connections, increasing asset utilization, and operational efficiency. By retaining Blade’s management and operational team ensures continuity of experience, relationships, and regulatory knowledge, which supports integration and quick scale-up.
Where Blade can win in the long term is by keeping its medical transport in place. This creates a win-win for both companies. More than anything, this removes the isolating vertical integration approach of Joby and opens up additional partnerships, public sector support, and future investment, as it now controls both supply and key points of passenger demand.
Joby significantly reduces the time to market for urban air mobility, a sector poised to ease urban congestion, reduce emissions, and transform city-to-city travel.
As Joby plans to launch commercial passenger flights in Dubai by next year, this acquisition will strengthen its foothold and provide immediate operational advantages in critical aviation markets worldwide.