Seizing the Future: Joby Grabs Blade’s Passenger Unit for Up to $125M
When I heard Joby Aviation announced it’s acquiring Blade Air Mobility’s passenger business—for up to $125 million, payable in cash or Joby stock—I wasn’t just impressed, I was excited. This isn’t just M&A—it’s instant infrastructure, a built-in customer base, and access to key corridors in New York and Europe that would otherwise take years to build from scratch. Blade already flew over 50,000 passengers in 2024 across 12 terminals including JFK, Newark, and Manhattan hubs .
Blade’s medical transport arm is untouched and will rebrand as Strata Critical Medical, continuing independently while partnering with Joby on eVTOL logistics. That division was responsible for a healthy chunk of revenue—and looks to remain profitable on its own path .
What’s clear to me? Joby now has operational muscle and a runway for growth. With FAA Type Inspection flight testing expected early next year, this acquisition gives them launch-ready terminals and an existing loyal audience—to move swiftly from helicopter rideshares to quieter, electric air taxi flights in urban markets and soon, Dubai in 2026 .
Here’s the challenge I throw to fellow aviation entrepreneurs and industry watchers: don’t build in isolation—partner, buy, acquire—or risk landing behind. Joby is turning Blade’s tech platform, terminals, and booking system into a launchpad for eVTOL scale. If you’re building something bold, either own the runway or own the bookings. #UrbanAirMobility #eVTOL #JobyAviation #StrategicAcquisition #NextStepInFlight
