(JOBY) Joby, Metropolis Announce Partnership to Develop 25 Vertiport Sites Across the U.S.
December 18, 2025
Joby Aviation and Metropolis announce a strategic partnership to build 25 vertiports and integrate AI-driven baggage services.
What’s Happening
This is a press release announcing a strategic partnership between Joby Aviation and Metropolis to develop 25 vertiport sites across the U.S. The deal will integrate vertiports into Metropolis’ existing parking footprint and use its AI, biometrics, baggage-handling and Bags VIP services to link Joby’s electric air taxis with ground transportation; initial use will support Blade flights in the NYC–JFK/Newark corridor.
Why It Matters
Overall sentiment is positive but cautious: the partnership shows tangible operational progress and leverages Metropolis’ scale after a $1.5B SP+ acquisition and $1.6B Series D, yet the release lacks financial detail on costs or revenue for Joby. Key names to watch are JoeBen Bevirt (Joby) and Alex Israel (Metropolis), plus the stated tech stack (AI/computer vision, biometrics) that aims to reduce friction and speed adoption.
Management Moves
Management committed to developing 25 vertiports, integrating Metropolis’ tech and baggage services, prioritizing early electric-air-taxi markets, and near-term Bags VIP support for NYC routes; no firm timelines or financial metrics were provided.