Joby Aviation Expands in New York with $125 Million Acquisition
Joby Aviation, the innovative air taxi company based in Santa Cruz, California, is increasing its presence in New York and other major cities globally through a $125 million acquisition of Blade Air Mobility’s passenger division.
The purchase, announced on Monday, follows Joby’s successful operation of demo flights that transported around 50,000 people in various locations, including Dubai.
Joeben Bevirt, Joby’s CEO and founder, remarked that the infrastructure and dedicated customer base from Blade will strategically position them to introduce their quiet electric aircraft once they receive certification.
The company showcased a prototype at Grand Central Station, providing a sneak peek at how these aircraft could help New Yorkers avoid traffic congestion on the roads and the subway.
With this acquisition, Joby plans to enhance its operational base by incorporating Blade’s terminal spaces at JFK and Newark Liberty airports. They also intend to establish takeoff and landing sites throughout Manhattan.
The air taxi pilot program, part of a broader initiative started by President Trump, aims to permit companies like Joby to fly passengers commercially in electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft.
Joby is gearing up to start its commercial flight services next year and hopes to transform daily commutes into something akin to scenes from “The Jetsons.”
In terms of compliance, Joby has reportedly achieved 80% progress as they approach the final stages of certification with the Federal Aviation Administration, bolstered by significant investments from companies like Uber, Toyota, and Delta.
Additionally, the Blade app will enable users to book flights seamlessly around the city, enhancing Joby’s service offerings.
Rob Wiesenthal, CEO of Blade, expressed optimism about future advancements in air transport, highlighting that New York is an ideal environment for operational growth.
As part of this agreement, Blade will restructure its medical transport division into an independent company called Strata Critical Medical, focusing on transporting human organs. This move aims to strengthen Joby’s role in critical medical missions, which contribute significantly to Blade’s revenue.
It’s interesting to note that some political figures have raised concerns about Joby’s connections to billionaire Reed Hoffman, known for his anti-Trump stance. Hoffman had previously provided essential funding for Joby and supported Vice President Kamala Harris in the 2024 election.
A Joby representative acknowledged their involvement with various government bodies for certification, underscoring the broad bipartisan support they have received.
Meanwhile, Michael Thompson, who replaced Hoffman on Joby’s board, made headlines for his substantial political donations, which could potentially spark more scrutiny. Thompson’s vision includes drawing parallels between Joby’s future flights and the historic Wright brothers’ pioneering efforts.
