JOBY moves to acquire Blade's passenger business for up to $125 million, aiming to scale urban air mobility and cut costs.

Joby Aviation will acquire helicopter ride-share company Blade Air Mobility's passenger business for up to $125 million, Joby said Monday, as it works to speed the deployment of electric air taxis for commercial passenger services.

Joby, which develops electric air taxis, will purchase the Blade brand and Blade’s passenger air-taxi business using stock or cash. Under the deal, Blade’s passenger business will operate as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Joby led by Blade CEO Rob Wiesenthal and continue operations as normal.