Joby Aviation (JOBY.US) to Acquire Blade (BLDE.US) Air Taxi Operator, Accelerating Expansion in the Sky

According to informed sources, Joby Aviation (JOBY.US), an electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft developer, is considering acquiring air taxi operator Blade Air Mobility (BLDE.US).

Informed sources indicate that Joby is currently evaluating this deal. Blade primarily operates helicopter-sharing routes between New York City and surrounding airports and resorts, using a single-seat ticketing model. If the acquisition is successful, Joby, which is developing electric eVTOL aircraft, would directly gain access to the mature air travel market. However, relevant parties emphasize that there has been no final agreement reached, and Joby may still abandon the acquisition. Both companies' representatives have not responded to requests for comment.

As understood, Blade went public through a SPAC merger in 2021 but has yet to achieve annual profitability. The company's stock price has plummeted 10% year-to-date, with its current market value standing at approximately $3.09 billion. As an aviation innovation company backed by Toyota Motor (TM.US), Joby plans to launch commercial flight services in early 2026 and is expected to have five aircraft enter the final stage of certification next year. The $136 billion-valued company announced last month that it will boost its California Marina factory's annual production capacity to 24 aircraft.