Technology & Innovation
Joby Aviation Acquires Blade Passenger Business to Boost Urban Air Mobility
Joby Aviation buys Blade’s passenger unit for $125M, merging eVTOL tech with Blade’s network to accelerate urban air taxi services.
Joby Aviation’s agreement to acquire Blade Air Mobility’s passenger business for up to $125 million marks a watershed moment for the urban air mobility (UAM) sector. This transaction unites Joby’s advanced electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) technology with Blade’s established passenger infrastructure, creating a vertically integrated platform poised to accelerate the commercialization of air taxi services in major metropolitan markets. The acquisition also signals a strategic realignment, with Blade shifting its focus to medical logistics under the new Strata Critical Medical brand. As the urban air mobility industry matures, the deal illustrates the growing importance of operational scale, infrastructure, and regulatory momentum in shaping the next generation of transportation.
The significance of this acquisition extends beyond the financial terms. By combining Joby’s technological prowess and manufacturing pipeline with Blade’s customer base, terminals, and operational expertise, both companies are positioning themselves to capitalize on the increasing demand for sustainable, efficient urban transport. The move also highlights the broader trend of convergence between aviation technology firms and mobility service providers, a trend that is expected to accelerate as eVTOL certification and regulatory frameworks advance.
This article explores the background of both companies, details of the acquisition, recent developments in the UAM sector, expert perspectives, and the global context that frames this landmark deal. Through a neutral and fact-based analysis, we aim to provide a comprehensive understanding of the implications for industry stakeholders and the future of urban air mobility.
Founded in 2009 by JoeBen Bevirt, Joby Aviation has become one of the most prominent names in the eVTOL space. The company’s flagship aircraft is designed to carry four passengers and a pilot, offering speeds of up to 200 mph and a focus on quiet, emissions-free operation. Joby’s vision is to make air taxi services accessible in congested urban environments, reducing travel times and carbon footprints. The company went public in 2021 via a SPAC merger, attracting investment from notable partnerships such as Toyota and Uber, and has established collaborations with the U.S. Air Force for dual-use applications of its technology.
Joby’s approach emphasizes both manufacturing and operational excellence. The company is actively pursuing FAA certification for its eVTOL aircraft, targeting commercial launch in 2025. A key part of Joby’s strategy is to secure exclusive operating rights in major markets, exemplified by its agreement to provide air taxi services in Dubai until 2032.
With a strong focus on integrating software and hardware, Joby has developed the ElevateOS platform to manage scheduling, routing, and customer experience. This digital backbone is expected to play a central role as Joby scales its operations globally.
Blade Air Mobility was founded in 2014 by Rob Wiesenthal, introducing an asset-light, on-demand helicopter and jet service in urban corridors such as New York City and the Hamptons. Blade’s business model centered on aggregating demand through a digital platform, while leveraging third-party operators for aircraft and pilots. Over time, Blade expanded into airport transfers and international routes, establishing a recognizable brand in urban mobility.
A significant pivot occurred in 2021 with Blade’s acquisition of Trinity Air Medical, which marked its entry into the medical logistics space. By 2024, Blade’s MediMobility division was responsible for over half of the company’s revenue, specializing in the rapid transport of human organs for transplantation. This shift reflected both the operational challenges and the economic realities of scaling passenger helicopter services in dense urban areas. Blade’s asset-light approach allowed it to adapt quickly to changes in the market, but also meant that significant capital investments in infrastructure were avoided. The sale of its passenger division to Joby is a strategic move to focus on the growing medical logistics sector, which will continue as Strata Critical Medical.
The urban air mobility market is experiencing rapid growth, driven by technological advances in electric propulsion, battery systems, and digital infrastructure. According to industry research, the global UAM market is projected to surpass $10 billion by 2029, with increasing interest from both private investors and public agencies.
Regulatory support has played a crucial role in accelerating adoption. In 2025, an executive order was enacted in the United States to promote eVTOL deployment for cargo, medical, and rural access, reflecting a broader governmental commitment to the sector.
The integration of Blade’s passenger operations with Joby’s eVTOL technology and software is emblematic of the industry’s evolution toward seamless, multimodal mobility solutions.
Joby Aviation will acquire Blade’s passenger business for up to $125 million. The deal includes $35 million in holdbacks contingent on performance milestones and employee retention, ensuring a smooth transition of operational expertise and customer relationships.
Assets transferred in the deal encompass Blade’s U.S. and European passenger operations, including 12 terminals in key markets such as JFK, Newark, and downtown Manhattan. The acquisition also covers Blade’s brand and customer base, providing Joby with a ready-made infrastructure for rapid expansion.
Blade’s medical logistics division is excluded from the sale and will continue to operate as Strata Critical Medical, maintaining its public listing and focusing on organ transport and other critical missions.
The acquisition immediately grants Joby access to Blade’s extensive passenger network. According to Joby, Blade transported over 50,000 passengers in 2024. However, Axios reports that the figure may be as high as 100,000 passengers across more than 30,000 flights, indicating a robust demand for short-haul air mobility. The discrepancy in figures likely stems from differing definitions of passenger categories or reporting periods. Joby’s integration of Blade’s lounges and terminals is expected to reduce the capital expenditure required for new vertiport construction, accelerating time-to-market in key urban areas.
In addition to commercial gains, Joby’s partnership with L3Harris to develop hybrid gas-turbine VTOLs for military applications provides a new avenue for revenue diversification. Flight testing is scheduled to begin in late 2025, with demonstrations expected in 2026.
“Blade has spent 10 years building best-in-class infrastructure… We see that as a launchpad for helping us accelerate the scale-out of our passenger service.”, JoeBen Bevirt, CEO of Joby Aviation
A central pillar of the acquisition is the integration of Joby’s ElevateOS software into Blade’s operations. This platform will streamline scheduling, routing, and customer interactions, enhancing efficiency and reducing operational overhead.
Blade’s medical division, now Strata, will continue to partner with Joby for organ transport missions. The use of quieter, electric aircraft is expected to improve outcomes for time-sensitive medical logistics by expanding operational windows and reducing community disruption.
The combined entity is well-positioned to benefit from regulatory incentives and first-mover advantages in both passenger and medical air mobility.
Joby’s acquisition of Blade’s passenger operations is closely aligned with its preparations to launch air taxi services in Dubai. The company has secured exclusive rights to operate eVTOL taxis in the city until 2032, and recently completed piloted demonstration flights to validate its technology and operational procedures.
On the regulatory front, Joby is actively pursuing FAA Part 135 certification for its eVTOL aircraft, with full approval targeted for 2025. This certification is a prerequisite for commercial passenger operations in the United States and is expected to serve as a model for other jurisdictions.
The company’s collaboration with L3Harris on hybrid VTOLs for defense applications underscores the versatility of Joby’s platform and the growing interest from government agencies in next-generation aviation technologies. Industry analysts have highlighted the strategic logic of the deal. McKinsey & Company projects that eVTOLs will revolutionize urban transport by 2030, with noise reduction and sustainability as key drivers.
Bendeveran, an industry commentator, has noted that Blade’s medical logistics business was undervalued relative to its peers, and that the partnership with Joby could unlock new growth opportunities.
Executives from both companies have emphasized the importance of infrastructure and operational readiness in scaling air mobility services, with Joby’s CEO describing Dubai as a “launchpad for a global revolution.”
“Quiet electric aircraft will be the great unlock to build more lanes,” enabling expansion beyond traditional heliports., Rob Wiesenthal, Founder of Blade Air Mobility
The UAM sector is characterized by intense competition, with players such as Archer Aviation, Lilium, and Volocopter developing their own eVTOL platforms and service models. Joby’s acquisition of Blade’s passenger business differentiates it through immediate access to operational scale and customer loyalty.
Government support, as seen in Dubai’s exclusive rights agreement and the U.S. executive order on eVTOLs, is fostering a favorable environment for rapid industry growth.
As the sector matures, collaborations between technology developers, infrastructure owners, and service providers will become increasingly important for achieving commercial viability and regulatory compliance.
Joby Aviation’s acquisition of Blade’s passenger business represents a strategic convergence of technology and operational expertise in the urban air mobility sector. By leveraging Blade’s established infrastructure and customer relationships, Joby is well-positioned to accelerate the rollout of its eVTOL services in key markets, while also expanding into high-value medical logistics through its partnership with Strata.
As regulatory frameworks evolve and public acceptance of urban air mobility grows, integrated platforms like the one formed by Joby and Blade will play a central role in shaping the future of transportation. The deal serves as a blueprint for other industry participants seeking to combine innovation with operational scale, and underscores the importance of infrastructure, partnerships, and regulatory alignment in achieving sustainable growth. What is the value of the Joby-Blade acquisition? What happens to Blade’s medical division? How many passengers did Blade serve in 2024? When will Joby’s eVTOLs be certified? What is the significance of the Dubai launch? Sources:
Joby Aviation Acquires Blade’s Passenger Business: Strategic Leap in Urban Air Mobility
Background
Joby Aviation: Pioneering Electric Air Taxis
Blade Air Mobility: From Helicopter Taxis to Medical Logistics
Market Growth and Regulatory Momentum
Key Facts and Data
Acquisition Terms and Structure
Operational Impact and Passenger Volume
Strategic Synergies and Software Integration
Recent Developments
Dubai Launch and Regulatory Progress
Industry and Analyst Perspectives
Competitive Landscape and Global Context
Conclusion
FAQ
Joby Aviation is acquiring Blade’s passenger business for up to $125 million, with $35 million contingent on performance milestones and employee retention.
Blade’s medical logistics division will continue as Strata Critical Medical, remaining a public entity and partnering with Joby for future eVTOL deployments.
According to Joby, Blade transported over 50,000 passengers in 2024. Axios reports a higher figure of approximately 100,000 passengers across more than 30,000 flights.
Joby is targeting full FAA certification for its eVTOL aircraft by 2025.
Joby has secured exclusive rights to operate air taxi services in Dubai until 2032, making it a key launch market for its eVTOL platform.
Joby IR
Photo Credit: Joby Aviation
Technology & Innovation
AURA AERO Secures Permit for New Hybrid-Electric Aircraft Factory in Toulouse
AURA AERO obtains building permit for 50,000 sqm AURA Factory in Toulouse to produce hybrid-electric aircraft and drones by 2028.
This article is based on an official press release from AURA AERO.
French hybrid-electric aircraft developer AURA AERO has reached a major regulatory and industrial milestone, securing the building permit for its new manufacturing facility at Toulouse-Francazal Airport. According to a company press release, the new site, dubbed the AURA Factory, will span 50,000 square meters and serve as the cornerstone of the manufacturer’s push into low-carbon aviation.
The facility is projected to create more than 1,600 direct jobs and generate $2 billion in long-term revenue. The approval clears the way for AURA AERO to significantly scale up its production capabilities as it prepares to bring its next-generation aircraft to market.
“Designed to meet the highest environmental and regulatory standards, AURA Factory embodies a new generation of aerospace facilities, focused on innovation, industrial performance, and environmental responsibility,” AURA AERO stated in its release.
The AURA Factory will house the production lines for the company’s diverse portfolio of aircraft. According to the press release, the facility will scale up the manufacturing of the INTEGRAL family of training aircraft, the ENBATA tactical surveillance drone, and the flagship ERA (Electric Regional Aircraft) program.
The ERA is a 19-seat hybrid-electric regional aircraft designed to significantly reduce aviation emissions on short-haul routes. To support this transition toward decarbonized aviation, the factory project has received substantial backing. The press release notes that the facility is supported by the French government’s France 2030 investment plan and the European Commission’s Innovation Fund. Industry reports indicate the European Commission’s backing includes a €95 million (approximately $103 million) grant to support the mass production of low-carbon aircraft.
With the building permit now in hand, the operational phase of the project has officially begun. AURA AERO confirmed that site remediation work is currently in progress at the Toulouse-Francazal location.
The company expects to officially break ground on the facility in the second half of 2026. If the construction timeline holds, the AURA Factory is slated to enter service by 2028.
“This milestone would not have been possible without the strong commitment of our public and regional partners. Their support has been instrumental in bringing this major industrial project to life,” the company noted.
We note that the approval of the AURA Factory cements the Occitanie region’s status as a central hub for aerospace innovation and green propulsion technology. For AURA AERO, the 2028 target for the Toulouse facility aligns with its broader global expansion strategy. The company recently established a U.S. headquarters and initial production site in Florida, positioning itself to serve both the European and North American markets as demand for hybrid-electric regional aircraft and modern trainers accelerates. The AURA Factory is a planned 50,000-square-meter aerospace manufacturing facility located at Toulouse-Francazal Airport in France, developed by AURA AERO.
Groundbreaking is scheduled for the second half of 2026, with the facility expected to enter service by 2028.
The facility will produce the INTEGRAL family of training aircraft, the ENBATA tactical surveillance drone, and the 19-seat hybrid-electric ERA regional aircraft.
Scaling up hybrid-electric and training programs
Construction timeline and regional impact
AirPro News analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the AURA Factory?
When will the AURA Factory open?
What aircraft will AURA AERO produce at the new factory?
Sources
Photo Credit: AURA AERO
Technology & Innovation
NRG2fly Delivers First Megawatt Aircraft Charger to Væridion in Munich
NRG2fly installs first Megawatt Charging System at Væridion’s Munich facility, supporting fast charging for electric aircraft and regional flight decarbonization.
This article is based on an official press release from NRG2fly.
In March 2026, Dutch electric aviation infrastructure startup NRG2fly achieved a major operational milestone by delivering its first Megawatt Charging System (MCS) demonstrator to German electric aircraft developer Væridion. According to an official press release from NRG2fly, the prototype charger has been successfully installed at Væridion’s newly inaugurated production and test hangar at Oberpfaffenhofen Airport (EDMO) near Munich, Bavaria.
This delivery represents the first physical, working node in NRG2fly’s planned pan-European charging network for electric aviation. By providing the high-voltage infrastructure necessary to achieve sub-30-minute charging times, the partnership aims to prove the economic viability of regional electric flights and support broader European goals to decarbonize short-haul travel.
The aviation industry has long grappled with a lack of universal charging standards, which threatens to fragment the rollout of Electric-Aviation. While the Combined Charging System (CCS) is currently utilized for smaller electric planes, the Megawatt Charging System (MCS), a standard originally developed for heavy-duty electric trucks, is now being adapted to handle the massive power requirements of larger passenger aircraft.
According to the company release, NRG2fly is spearheading efforts to establish industry-wide charging standards and interoperability through its “Project Eurocharge.” Founded in 2022 by Maarten Steinbuch, Jurjen de Jong, and Jeroen Kroonen, the Dutch Startups secured undisclosed venture funding in mid-2025 to expand its network across European airports. The deployment of this MCS demonstrator highlights a critical industry push toward standardized, high-power infrastructure.
In commercial aviation, fast turnaround times are essential to profitability. Shrinking the charging window to under 30 minutes allows electric aircraft to maintain tight flight schedules. NRG2fly notes that this rapid turnaround capability is what will ultimately make electric aircraft economically competitive with traditional fossil-fuel alternatives, offering a zero-emission solution that can seamlessly integrate into existing regional airline operations.
Væridion, founded in 2021 by former Airbus and ZF engineers Ivor van Dartel and Sebastian Seemann, is the developer behind the Microliner. Company specifications describe the Microliner as a 9-passenger, fully battery-electric regional aircraft designed for short-haul routes of up to 400 to 500 kilometers. The aircraft features wing-integrated modular batteries and a multi-engine, single-propeller propulsion system.
On March 13, 2026, Væridion officially opened its first production hangar and test facility at Oberpfaffenhofen. The NRG2fly press release indicates that this facility marks Væridion’s transition from research and development to the industrialization and production phase. The new site includes infrastructure tailored for high-voltage battery testing and a dedicated electric propulsion test rig. Væridion has maintained an aggressive development timeline, aiming to conduct prototype flights by 2027 and achieve type certification and commercial operations by 2030. In late 2024, the manufacturer reached a significant regulatory milestone, becoming the first general aviation manufacturer to secure a Pre-Application Contract (PAC) with the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).
Financial and operational momentum has also accelerated over the past two years. Væridion raised €14 million in a Series A funding round in December 2024, led by climate tech VC World Fund. Furthermore, in late 2025, Væridion acquired a specialized testing facility and advanced manufacturing equipment, including precision laser welding tools, from the insolvent eVTOL developer Lilium, bolstering its manufacturing capabilities at the Oberpfaffenhofen site.
We view the physical deployment of megawatt-class charging hardware as a vital de-risking event for the electric regional air mobility sector. While novel aircraft designs often dominate industry headlines, the absence of standardized, high-throughput ground infrastructure remains a primary bottleneck for commercialization. By adapting the MCS standard from the heavy-duty trucking industry, NRG2fly and Væridion are bypassing the need to invent a bespoke aviation charging standard from scratch.
Furthermore, Væridion’s strategic acquisition of Lilium’s manufacturing assets in late 2025 suggests a highly pragmatic approach to scaling production capabilities while managing capital expenditures. If the sub-30-minute charging target is consistently met during the upcoming 2027 prototype flight tests, it will provide a compelling economic argument for regional operators looking to decarbonize short-haul routes without sacrificing fleet utilization rates.
What is the Megawatt Charging System (MCS)? When is the Væridion Microliner expected to fly? Where is Væridion’s new facility located? Sources: NRG2fly
NRG2fly Delivers First Megawatt Aircraft Charger to Væridion’s Munich Facility
Advancing the Megawatt Charging System (MCS)
The Push for Sub-30-Minute Turnarounds
Væridion’s Microliner Enters Industrialization Phase
Strategic Growth and Asset Acquisitions
AirPro News analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
The MCS is a high-power charging standard originally developed for heavy-duty electric trucks. It is now being adapted for electric aviation to deliver massive amounts of power quickly, enabling larger electric aircraft to fully charge in under 30 minutes.
According to the company’s stated timeline, Væridion aims to conduct initial prototype flights of the Microliner by 2027, with a target for full type certification and commercial operations by 2030.
The new battery assembly plant and flight test hangar are located at Oberpfaffenhofen Airport (EDMO) in Bavaria, Germany, near Munich.
Photo Credit: NRG2fly
Electric Aircraft
AIR Surpasses $1 Billion in Orders for Smart eVTOL Aircraft
Israel’s AIR reaches $1 billion in eVTOL orders, reporting $35 million revenue and FAA certification progress for AIR ONE personal aircraft.
This article is based on an official press release from AIR.
Smart aircraft manufacturer AIR has officially surpassed $1 billion in orders, signaling strong market interest in its electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) vehicles. According to a company press release, the Israel-based firm has accumulated a waitlist of more than 3,300 customers, with many having already placed deposits for future deliveries.
The milestone highlights the growing demand for next-generation air mobility solutions across personal, commercial, and defense sectors. AIR reported over $35 million in booked revenue to date, which the company attributes primarily to the sale and delivery of its Heavy-Lift unmanned aerial systems (UAS), alongside mobile ground control stations, parts, and servicing packages.
As the eVTOL industry moves closer to widespread commercialization, AIR is positioning itself to capitalize on emerging regulatory frameworks. The manufacturer noted that its flagship personal aircraft, the AIR ONE, is currently being considered under the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) Modernization of Special Airworthiness Certificates (MOSAIC) framework as a Light Sport Aircraft (LSA).
The bulk of the company’s billion-dollar backlog stems from its consumer-focused model. In its official announcement, AIR detailed that 3,290 of the orders are for the AIR ONE personal aircraft. This two-seat, fully electric eVTOL is designed for private use and boasts a projected range of 100 miles.
According to the manufacturer’s specifications, the AIR ONE can reach speeds of up to 155 miles per hour and carry a payload of up to 550 pounds. The company stated that these personal aircraft orders will be fulfilled once FAA certification is secured and mass production begins. The aircraft also features redundant safety layers, an airframe parachute system, and “Fly-By-Intent” flight control technology.
Beyond personal mobility, AIR is also seeing traction in the commercial and logistics space. The press release indicated that the company has secured more than 25 orders for its AIR Cargo heavy-lift UAS, with two units already delivered to customers.
The cargo variant features a 70-cubic-foot cargo bay and matches the personal model’s 550-pound payload capacity. AIR confirmed it has an active production line for the heavy-lift aircraft and anticipates producing and delivering more than 20 additional units this year. The surge in orders follows a series of strategic and financial developments for the eVTOL developer. In July of last year, AIR closed a $23 million Series A funding round led by Entrée Capital, with participation from early backer Dr. Shmuel Harlap.
Furthermore, the company announced in September that its latest U.S.-based prototype had received an FAA Experimental Airworthiness Certification. These regulatory and financial steps are crucial as the company transitions from prototyping to scalable manufacturing, supported by partnerships with the U.S. Air Force’s Agility Prime program, ST Engineering, Nidec Motors, and EDAG.
“Our mission is to make air mobility accessible and routine, while bridging personal, commercial, and defense transportation and operations,” said Rani Plaut, CEO and Co-Founder of AIR, in the press release.
The announcement of $1 billion in orders is a significant indicator of consumer and commercial appetite for eVTOL technology. However, as with many advanced air mobility startups, the transition from pre-orders to delivered, certified aircraft remains the ultimate hurdle. The fact that AIR is already generating real revenue, $35 million booked from its heavy-lift UAS and support systems, sets it apart from competitors that rely entirely on future passenger operations.
By targeting the Light Sport Aircraft category under the FAA’s MOSAIC framework, AIR may find a more streamlined path to market for its personal vehicles compared to the rigorous commercial passenger certification processes faced by air taxi operators. We will continue to monitor their production ramp-up, particularly whether they can meet their goal of delivering more than 20 cargo units this year.
The AIR ONE is a two-seater, fully electric eVTOL designed for personal use. According to the manufacturer, it features a 100-mile range, speeds up to 155 mph, and a 550-pound payload capacity.
The company reported over $35 million in book revenue, driven largely by its Heavy-Lift UAS deliveries, mobile ground control stations, parts, and servicing packages.
In September, AIR’s U.S.-based eVTOL prototype received an FAA Experimental Airworthiness Certification. The AIR ONE is also being considered within the Light Sport Aircraft category under the FAA’s MOSAIC framework.
AIR Surpasses $1 Billion in Orders for Smart Aircraft and eVTOLs
Breaking Down the $1 Billion Order Book
Commercial and Heavy-Lift UAS Progress
Recent Milestones and Strategic Partnerships
AirPro News analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the AIR ONE?
How much revenue has AIR generated?
Has the FAA certified AIR’s aircraft?
Sources
Photo Credit: AIR
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