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Joby Shakes Up UAM With Agreement to Buy Blade’s Passenger Business

Electric air taxi developer will take over Blade’s network of terminals and lounges in locations such as New York City.

Joby Aviation electric vertical takeoff and landing eVTOL air taxi New York
Joby’s electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) air taxi is a piloted, four-passenger model designed for short-hop flights, cruising at about 200 mph. [Courtesy: Joby Aviation]
Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • Joby Aviation is acquiring Blade Air Mobility's passenger division for $125 million, a strategic move to accelerate its urban air mobility (UAM) service launch.
  • This acquisition provides Joby with immediate access to Blade's network of 12 terminals (including key New York City locations), an established customer base of 50,000, and a real-world platform to refine its aerial ridesharing software.
  • Blade's medical transport business will operate separately as Strata Critical Medical, with Joby designated as its preferred eVTOL partner.
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In a seismic move for the emerging urban air mobility (UAM) industry, electric air taxi developer Joby Aviation on Monday announced it plans to acquire the passenger division of New York City-based helicopter and jet charter operator Blade Air Mobility.

The $125 million purchase nets Joby—which aims to launch a U.S. aerial ridesharing service in partnership with Delta Air Lines and Uber as soon as next year—a key launchpad for its operations.

Jack Daleo

Jack is a staff writer covering advanced air mobility, including everything from drones to unmanned aircraft systems to space travel—and a whole lot more. He spent close to two years reporting on drone delivery for FreightWaves, covering the biggest news and developments in the space and connecting with industry executives and experts. Jack is also a basketball aficionado, a frequent traveler and a lover of all things logistics.

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