Joby Expands Global Footprint Across Markets

This month, Joby Aviation announced a series of strategic moves accelerating the deployment of its electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft for commercial and defense applications.

The company entered a definitive agreement to acquire Blade Air Mobility’s urban passenger business for up to $125 million. The deal provides Joby with immediate access to major aviation markets including New York and Southern Europe, plus operational infrastructure such as terminals and lounges. Blade’s founder and CEO, Rob Wiesenthal, will continue leading the business, now a wholly owned subsidiary. Joby also becomes the preferred VTOL partner for Blade’s separate medical transport division, soon to be renamed Strata Critical Medical.

Internationally, Joby and ANA Holdings revealed plans to establish a joint venture in Japan to roll out more than 100 aircraft, starting in Tokyo. The companies will conduct public demonstration flights of an ANA-liveried Joby aircraft at EXPO 2025 in Osaka from October 1–13, showcasing piloted operations including vertical takeoff, transition, and landing. The partnership aims to build the ecosystem needed for air taxi services across Japan, including vertiports, pilot training, and maintenance support.

On the defense side, Joby and L3Harris Technologies announced a collaboration to develop a gas turbine hybrid VTOL aircraft for military use. The aircraft is designed for low-altitude, optionally piloted missions and will leverage Joby’s platform and autonomy technologies. Flight testing begins in fall 2025, with demonstrations planned for 2026.