Joby Aviation Inc. said it plans to buy the helicopter rideshare business of Blade Air Mobility Inc. for as much as $125 million in stock or cash as the electric aviation firm seeks to expand its battery-powered air taxis into a ready-made market for its aircraft.

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 Aviation announced on Monday it will acquire Blade Air Mobility’s passenger business for up to $125 million, in a deal designed to accelerate the commercial deployment of its electric air taxis.