Zhi Tong Cai Jing·2025-08-04 00:21Core Viewpoint - Joby Aviation is considering acquiring Blade Air Mobility to gain access to a mature air travel market, although no final agreement has been reached yet [1] Company Overview - Joby Aviation is developing electric air taxis and plans to launch commercial flight services in early 2026, with five aircraft expected to enter the final stage of airworthiness certification next year [1] - Joby has a current market capitalization of $13.6 billion and recently announced plans to double its annual production capacity at its Marina, California facility to 24 aircraft [1] Market Context - Blade Air Mobility operates helicopter-sharing routes primarily between New York City and surrounding airports and resorts, utilizing a single-seat ticketing model [1] - Blade went public through a SPAC merger in 2021 but has yet to achieve annual profitability, with its stock price down 10% year-to-date and a current market value of approximately $309 million [1]