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 is buying the Blade brand and the company's passenger business, which includes operations in the United States and Europe, for as much as $125 million.

Joby Aviation is buying Blade Air Mobility's urban air taxi business for up to $125 million, giving it a base of loyal passengers as it begins to gradually replace conventional helicopters with quieter electric air taxis.