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.