Empire State Review Contributor 
Joby Aviation took a significant leap forward in the electric air taxi sector with its announcement on August 4, 2025, that it will acquire Blade Air Mobility’s urban passenger operations in a deal valued at up to $125 million. This strategic move, which includes a mix of cash and stock payments depending on performance milestones, marks a major milestone in the growing electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) industry. The acquisition positions Joby at the forefront of urban air mobility by providing it with direct access to infrastructure, customer routes, and brand recognition that would have taken years to build independently.
The acquisition includes Blade’s urban air taxi operations across the United States and Europe, including high-traffic passenger routes, terminal infrastructure at locations such as JFK and Newark airports, and operations in Manhattan. Blade’s recognizable brand, which has become synonymous with on-demand urban air travel, will also become part of the Joby portfolio. This means that Joby will not only acquire the operational network but also inherit Blade’s upscale clientele, giving it immediate market traction in key urban centers.
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While Blade is selling off its passenger-facing services, it will retain its organ transport and medical logistics division, which will now operate under a new name: Strata Critical Medical. That division, which reportedly accounts for approximately 60% of Blade’s total revenue, will continue to partner with Joby for logistics and transport services. This allows Blade to refocus on its high-margin medical transport services while freeing up Joby to concentrate fully on developing and scaling its air taxi business.
The market response to the announcement was overwhelmingly positive. Shares of Joby Aviation jumped between 16% and 19% following the news, reaching new highs. Blade’s stock also surged, with increases between 17% and 28%, reflecting investor confidence in both companies’ refined strategic directions. Analysts were quick to point out that the deal gives Joby an accelerated pathway to commercialization by removing the need to independently build urban vertiport networks and customer loyalty programs from scratch.
Joby’s acquisition of Blade’s urban services comes at a critical juncture in the evolution of electric aviation. The eVTOL sector, once viewed as a futuristic concept, is rapidly approaching commercial viability. Joby’s aircraft, which operate quietly and produce zero emissions, are currently undergoing certification by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration. The company also plans to begin commercial passenger flights in Dubai as early as 2026 under a six-year exclusive agreement supported by purpose-built vertiport infrastructure.
In addition to regulatory milestones, Joby is investing heavily in manufacturing. It has recently expanded its production capabilities in California and Ohio to prepare for scaled operations. The company also completed a series of successful readiness tests, reinforcing its position as a leader in the eVTOL space.
By acquiring Blade’s operations, Joby gains more than just infrastructure—it inherits data on customer preferences, usage patterns, and regulatory relationships. These assets are crucial for refining service models, meeting safety requirements, and establishing the brand in new cities. Perhaps more importantly, the deal enables Joby to start generating revenue and customer engagement ahead of full eVTOL deployment by initially operating traditional rotorcraft services through Blade’s model. This phased transition will allow Joby to test and optimize its approach in real-world urban settings.
Blade, for its part, benefits by streamlining its focus. With the divestment of its passenger air taxi services, it can now direct resources and attention toward the rapidly growing market for medical logistics, a field where time-sensitive transportation is vital and margins are strong. Rob Wiesenthal, Blade’s current CEO, will oversee passenger operations within Joby and also serve in a leadership role at Strata, ensuring continuity and smooth integration for both businesses.
The acquisition also has broader implications for urban transportation. With increasing concerns about congestion, carbon emissions, and infrastructure limitations in major cities, the development of clean, efficient air mobility alternatives is no longer a distant vision—it is becoming a necessity. Joby’s electric air taxis are positioned to offer a sustainable solution for short-haul trips, particularly in dense metropolitan areas where ground traffic is often gridlocked.
The move to consolidate services under Joby’s expanding umbrella could pave the way for further consolidation in the eVTOL sector. With new players entering the market and regulatory pathways becoming clearer, companies that can scale quickly and secure physical and digital infrastructure will have a significant advantage. Joby’s decision to move now—before its aircraft have even entered full commercial service—reflects a proactive strategy to lock in market share and build customer trust before competitors can catch up.
As urban air mobility moves from concept to reality, deals like the one between Joby and Blade highlight how the sector is maturing. Investors, regulators, and the public are watching closely as these pioneering companies work to redefine how people move through cities. With this acquisition, Joby has positioned itself not just as a manufacturer of aircraft, but as a full-service urban mobility provider ready to meet the demands of a changing transportation landscape.
