Joby Aviation (NYSE: JOBY) stock has seen a strong upward movement this week following a significant $125 million acquisition deal with Blade Air Mobility. The market responded positively to the strategic partnership, propelling Joby stock up over 5% on Monday. This bold move underlines Joby Aviation’s aggressive push toward commercializing urban air mobility solutions, especially as it inches closer to FAA certification for its electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft (eVTOLs).
Blade Sells Passenger Business, Keeps Medical Transport Arm
Under the agreement, Joby Aviation will acquire Blade’s passenger helicopter rideshare business, which operates heavily in the New York City metropolitan area. Blade has been a pioneer in offering per-seat helicopter rides from Manhattan to destinations like the Hamptons and major airports such as Newark Liberty International. In 2024 alone, Blade transported over 50,000 passengers across 12 terminals, showcasing its dominance in urban air mobility infrastructure.
Importantly, Blade’s medical transport division is not included in the acquisition. That arm will be spun off into a separate publicly traded company, Strata Critical Medical. Blade founder and CEO Rob Wiesenthal will continue to lead the passenger division under Joby Aviation‘s ownership.
Why This Deal Matters for Joby Aviation
This acquisition is far more than a simple buyout—it’s a strategic maneuver that strengthens Joby Aviation’s foothold in urban aerial transport. By integrating Blade’s operational experience and infrastructure, Joby is setting itself up to dominate the electric air taxi market as it prepares for commercial launch in 2026.
The $14.4 billion company, backed by major investors like Toyota, is currently in the final phases of FAA certification for its eVTOL aircraft. These futuristic air taxis promise clean, quiet, and efficient travel, revolutionizing the way cities handle congestion and mobility.
The synergy between Blade’s current operations and Joby Aviation’s next-gen technology makes this a win-win deal. For Joby stock investors, it’s a major validation of the company’s growth trajectory and vision.
Market Reaction and Stock Performance
Following the announcement, Joby stock surged over 5% on Monday, while Blade’s shares jumped an impressive 30% in early trading. Despite a rough year—Blade shares were down 11% YTD and nearly 60% since going public—the deal has injected new optimism into both companies’ outlooks.
For Joby stock, this momentum could signal the beginning of a longer-term bullish trend, especially as the FAA certification and eventual commercial launch become more imminent. Analysts believe this partnership improves Joby‘s credibility and could ease its entry into high-density urban markets where infrastructure is often the biggest barrier.
What’s Next for Joby Aviation?
With five aircraft targeted for certification by 2026, Joby Aviation is well-positioned to begin operations early next year. By acquiring Blade’s rideshare business, Joby not only gains a ready-made customer base but also inherits valuable data and real-world operating experience that can help fine-tune its services.
As Joby stock continues to attract investor attention, the company is rapidly becoming one of the most closely watched names in the next-gen aviation industry.
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