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
Sustainable Aviation
Airbus-led ECLIF-X Campaign Studies Aviation Non-CO2 Emissions 2025-2027
The ECLIF-X campaign investigates how low-sulphur and low-aromatic fuels reduce contrail formation and non-CO2 emissions in aviation from 2025 to 2027.
This article is based on an official press release from Airbus.
In a closely coordinated chase across the sky, the aviation industry is taking aim at one of its most visible and complex climate challenges: condensation trails. While carbon dioxide emissions have long dominated sustainability discussions, recent scientific consensus highlights that non-CO2 emissions account for a significant portion of commercial aviation’s total climate warming impact.
To address this, Airbus, the German Aerospace Center (DLR), and engine manufacturer Pratt & Whitney have launched ECLIF-X (Emissions and Climate Impact of alternative Fuels – X). According to an official Airbus press release, this joint research campaign utilizes a “flying laboratory” to investigate the effects of fuel composition on aviation’s non-CO2 impact.
Running from 2025 to 2027, the ECLIF-X campaign captures real-time data on how low-sulphur and low-aromatic fuels interact with advanced engine combustors. At AirPro News, we recognize this initiative as a critical step toward understanding and mitigating the formation of climate-warming contrails before new environmental regulations take full effect.
The methodology behind the ECLIF-X campaign involves two aircraft flying in tandem at cruising altitude. The “emitter” is an Airbus A321XLR test aircraft (registration MSN11058), powered by Pratt & Whitney PW1100G-JM engines. Research reports indicate these engines are equipped with the TALON-X rich-burn combustor, a technology specifically designed to reduce soot emissions. During the tests, the A321XLR is flown with three different types of fuel to compare their respective emission profiles.
Following closely behind is the “sniffer,” DLR’s heavily instrumented Falcon 20E research aircraft. Drawing on over 30 years of atmospheric research expertise, DLR scientists pilot the Falcon 20E directly into the exhaust wake of the A321XLR.
Flying at distances of just 50 to 300 meters, the Falcon 20E captures precise, real-time data on the physical and chemical properties of the emissions before they dissipate.
This proximity allows researchers to analyze the exhaust plume in real-time, providing unprecedented insights into the immediate atmospheric reactions triggered by different fuel blends.
Contrails are line-shaped ice clouds that form when hot, humid engine exhaust mixes with cold, high-altitude air. Depending on atmospheric conditions, these contrails can persist and spread into cirrus clouds that trap outgoing infrared radiation from the Earth. According to industry research, studies suggest that non-CO2 effects could represent anywhere from 35% to roughly two-thirds of aviation’s total accumulated climate impact. Airbus refers to the microphysics of contrail formation as the “sticky seed” problem. Conventional jet fuel contains aromatic compounds, which are the primary precursors for soot particles during combustion. These soot particles act as the foundational condensation nuclei, or “seeds,” for contrails. Furthermore, even trace amounts of sulphur in jet fuel result in the formation of sulphuric acid. This acid coats the soot particles, making them “sticky” and highly attractive to water vapor.
By utilizing fuels with low aromatics and low sulphur, such as highly refined Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF), engines produce significantly fewer soot particles and less sulphuric acid. Fewer seeds mean fewer ice crystals, resulting in contrails that are thinner, shorter-lived, or completely prevented.
The current campaign builds upon the landmark ECLIF3 study, which concluded in 2024. Data from ECLIF3 proved that flying on 100% SAF reduced the number of contrail ice crystals by 56% and cut the overall climate-warming impact of contrails by at least 26% compared to conventional jet fuel.
The ECLIF-X research arrives at a critical regulatory juncture. As of January 2025, the European Union Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) requires airlines to monitor and report their non-CO2 effects. With the first verified reports due in 2026, the industry faces immediate pressure to understand and quantify these emissions.
The introduction of the EU’s Non-CO2 Aviation Effects Tracking System (NEATS) means airlines are now legally required to track these metrics. Research initiatives like ECLIF-X provide the foundational science necessary to create accurate monitoring, reporting, and verification (MRV) models for the commercial aviation sector.
We view the ECLIF-X campaign as a pivotal transition point for airline operations. Historically, the push for Sustainable Aviation Fuel has been framed almost entirely around lifecycle carbon reduction. However, the empirical data gathered by Airbus and DLR highlights a crucial dual benefit: SAF physically alters the clouds aircraft leave behind.
Beyond fuel certification, this research paves the way for “climate-friendly routing.” As airlines and meteorologists better understand exactly how and when contrails form, flight dispatchers could soon pair clean fuels with tactical flight path adjustments to avoid atmospheric regions prone to persistent contrail formation. This operational shift will likely become a standard practice as regulatory bodies tighten non-CO2 reporting requirements.
Sources: Airbus
The ECLIF-X Campaign: A High-Altitude Chase
The Emitter and the Sniffer
Decoding the “Sticky Seed” Problem
How Contrails Form and Trap Heat
Building on Previous Success
Regulatory Urgency and Future Operations
EU ETS and NEATS Compliance
AirPro News analysis
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
ECLIF-X (Emissions and Climate Impact of alternative Fuels – X) is a joint research initiative by Airbus, DLR, and Pratt & Whitney running from 2025 to 2027 to study how fuel composition affects contrail formation.
Persistent contrails can spread into cirrus clouds that trap heat in the Earth’s atmosphere. Studies indicate these non-CO2 emissions account for 35% to two-thirds of aviation’s total climate impact.
Soot and sulphuric acid from conventional jet fuel create “sticky” particles that attract water vapor, forming the ice crystals that make up contrails. Low-sulphur and low-aromatic fuels reduce these seeds.
Under the EU ETS, airlines were required to begin monitoring non-CO2 effects in January 2025, with the first verified reports due in 2026.
Photo Credit: Airbus
Technology & Innovation
Eve Air Mobility Advances eVTOL Flight Tests in Brazil
Eve Air Mobility completes 35 flights of its eVTOL prototype in Brazil, demonstrating strong performance and gaining government support.
This article is based on an official press release from Eve Air Mobility.
Eve Air Mobility has successfully demonstrated its full-scale electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL) engineering prototype to top Brazilian government officials. The flight took place at Embraer’s test facility in Gavião Peixoto, Brazil, marking a significant step forward in the company’s certification pathway for advanced air mobility solutions.
According to the official press release, the demonstration was attended by Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, alongside key ministers and aviation authorities. This high-profile event underscores the national and strategic importance of urban air mobility development within Brazil’s broader aerospace sector.
We note that this milestone follows the aircraft’s initial flight in December 2025. Since then, the prototype has been undergoing a rigorous flight test campaign designed to validate its systems, aerodynamics, and overall performance before moving toward formal certification.
The company reports that the engineering prototype has completed 35 flights, accumulating nearly 1.5 hours of total flight time since its debut in December 2025. During these tests, the eVTOL aircraft reached an altitude of 140 feet above ground level (43 meters).
Operations to date have primarily focused on low-speed testing, reaching speeds up to 15 knots (approximately 28 km/h). Eve states that these parameters have allowed their engineering teams to validate critical components, including control laws, rotor aerodynamic efficiency, thermal behavior, and the propulsion model. The aircraft has also demonstrated consistent flight behavior during maneuvers involving simultaneous inputs across three axes.
Preliminary data from the test campaign indicates promising results for the aircraft’s core systems. According to the press release, both propulsion and battery performance have exceeded the company’s initial expectations.
Furthermore, noise levels, a critical factor for urban air mobility acceptance and regulatory approval, remain within the company’s projections. Eve notes that the acoustic footprint is significantly lower than that of conventional helicopters. The presence of President Lula da Silva highlights the strategic backing Eve Air Mobility enjoys in its home country. The event also drew attendance from Luciana Santos, Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation; Silvio Costa Filho, Minister of Ports and Airports; Tiago Chagas Faierstein, President of the National Civil Aviation Agency of Brazil (ANAC); and Aloizio Mercadante, President of Brazil’s National Development Bank (BNDES).
This coalition of technological, infrastructural, regulatory, and financial leadership suggests a coordinated national effort to support the certification and eventual commercialization of Eve’s eVTOL aircraft. Moving forward, Eve plans to continue expanding the flight envelope, which will include testing at higher speeds.
We observe that Eve’s methodical approach to expanding its flight envelope, starting with low-speed, low-altitude validations, reflects a conservative and safety-first engineering philosophy typical of its parent company, Embraer. By securing visible support from ANAC and BNDES early in the full-scale testing phase, Eve is likely positioning itself favorably for both regulatory certification and future capital requirements. The emphasis on battery and propulsion efficiency exceeding expectations is a strong indicator that the fundamental architecture is sound, though higher-speed transition flights will be the next major technical hurdle for the engineering team.
“We are advancing with discipline and consistency in our flight test campaign, reducing risk and building the foundation for future certification flights. The results achieved in these first months following our initial flight in December 2025 reinforce our confidence in the aircraft’s architecture and our ability to deliver a safe, efficient and scalable solution for the urban air mobility market,” said Johann Bordais, CEO of Eve.
According to the company, the full-scale engineering prototype completed its first flight in December 2025.
As of March 2026, the aircraft has reached an altitude of 140 feet (43 meters) and speeds up to 15 knots (28 km/h) during its low-speed testing phase.
The demonstration in Gavião Peixoto was attended by Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, along with the Ministers of Science and Airports, the President of ANAC, and the President of BNDES.
Flight Test Campaign Progress
Key Performance Metrics
Efficiency and Noise Reductions
Strategic Implications and Future Steps
High-Level Government Support
AirPro News analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Eve Air Mobility’s prototype first fly?
How high and fast has the prototype flown so far?
Who attended the recent flight demonstration?
Sources
Photo Credit: Eve Air Mobility
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
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