TLDR
- Joby Aviation expanded its partnership with Uber to integrate Blade’s air taxi services into the Uber app starting next year
- Joby acquired Blade Air Mobility’s passenger business for $125 million last month, which transported over 50,000 passengers in 2024
- The partnership allows Uber users to book air taxi flights and coordinate ground transport in one location
- Joby stock jumped 4.5% on the news, while the company’s eVTOL aircraft are in final FAA certification stages
- Joby plans to deploy its electric aircraft commercially in 2026, building on Blade’s existing routes in Southern Europe and New York metro area
Joby Aviation shares climbed Wednesday morning after announcing an expanded partnership with ride-hailing giant Uber Technologies. The electric air taxi company will integrate its recently acquired Blade Air Mobility services into the Uber app.
The partnership represents a step forward for Joby’s commercial aviation plans. Under the agreement, Uber users will be able to book air taxi flights and coordinate ground transportation through a single platform.
Joby stock rose 4.5% to $14.02 in early trading. The move pushed shares toward resistance near the 21-day moving average line.
The stock had reached a record high of $20.95 on August 4 before pulling back. Despite recent volatility, Joby shares have gained more than 65% year-to-date through Tuesday’s close.
Uber Technologies stock moved in the opposite direction. Shares declined 0.6% to $95.03 during the same trading session.
Blade Acquisition Powers Integration
The expanded partnership builds on Joby’s $125 million acquisition of Blade Air Mobility’s passenger business last month. Blade operates helicopter services primarily around the New York metropolitan area and Southern Europe.
The helicopter operator transported more than 50,000 passengers in 2024. Its network includes 12 terminals serving high-traffic routes to JFK and LaGuardia airports from Manhattan.
Joby plans to enhance Blade’s premium service model with its own aircraft. The company will add its electric vertical takeoff and landing vehicles to existing Blade routes.
These eVTOL aircraft are currently in the final stages of Federal Aviation Administration certification. Joby expects to begin commercial operations in 2026.
Wall Street Remains Cautious
Despite strong stock performance, analyst sentiment toward Joby remains mixed. Only one out of seven analysts covering the stock rates shares as a buy, according to FactSet data.
The average analyst price target sits around $13. This falls slightly below recent trading levels for the stock.
Revenue projections show modest near-term growth expectations. Analysts forecast $51 million in 2026 revenue, expanding to $2.1 billion by 2030.
Uber’s Chief Operating Officer Andrew Macdonald called the partnership an opportunity to bring “the next generation of travel” to customers. The company has supported advanced air mobility since its early days.
Joby stock has gained 161% over the past 12 months. The partnership announcement provided fresh momentum for shares that had retreated from summer highs.
The integration of Blade services into Uber’s platform is expected to launch as early as next year. This timeline aligns with Joby’s commercial deployment schedule for its eVTOL aircraft.
