Annual report pursuant to Section 13 and 15(d)

Investment in Joint Venture

v3.21.4
Investment in Joint Venture
12 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2021
Equity Method Investments and Joint Ventures [Abstract]  
Investment in Joint Venture Investment in Joint VentureOn March 24, 2019, and as amended on February 25, 2020, the Company entered into a joint venture agreement and a license agreement (the “First Amended Joint Venture and License Agreements”) with Hunch Ventures and Investments Private Limited, a private limited company incorporated under the laws of India (“Hunch”) and FlyBlade India Private Limited, a company incorporated and validly existing under the provisions of the Companies Act, 2013 (“FlyBlade India”), whereby the Company and Hunch initially invested $200 for 10% interest and $1,800 for 90% interest, respectively, for undertaking the business of FlyBlade India. Subsequently, upon the issuance of additional shares to Hunch in exchange for additional investment by Hunch, the Company’s interest fell below 10%. Pursuant to the First Amended Joint Venture and License Agreements, the Company and Hunch agreed to establish FlyBlade India as a joint venture and support it in carrying on the business operations. The Company agreed to provide the licensed IP support related to the software developed for short distance aviation services along with its trademarks in exchange for quarterly royalty payments of four percent (4)% of Gross Revenue for the period where Gross Revenue was up to $10,000 in a calendar year, quarterly royalty payments of three percent (3)% on Gross Revenue in excess of $10,000 and up to $40,000 in a calendar year, and quarterly royalty payments of one and a half percent (1.5)% on Gross Revenue exceeding $40,000 (collectively, the "Royalties") in a calendar year. In addition to the Royalties, the Company could receive three percent (3)% of FlyBlade India’s profits before tax in each year that FlyBlade India attained a minimum of $3,500 in annual profits before income tax. Hunch
agreed to provide support in carrying out the day to day operations, including the implementation of the business plan and hiring of personnel, ensuring compliance with local requirements, and assisting with legal arrangements as needed by the business. For the years ended September 30, 2021, 2020 and 2019, the Company recorded royalty revenue of $28, $0 and $0, respectively, under this arrangement.
In accordance with the First Amended Joint Venture and License Agreements, FlyBlade India was permitted to have a total of five directors, three of which were permitted to be appointed by Hunch and provided that Blade held at least a 10% interest, a single director was permitted to be appointed by the Company. Based upon Blade having less than ten percent (10)% interest on September 30, 2021, Blade held no board seat and lacked the power to appoint members of the FlyBlade India executive management team. As such, the Company is viewed as having minimal influence and control over FlyBlade India.
The Company determined that it does not control the joint venture and therefore was not required to consolidate. In addition, Blade does not have sufficient control to influence, and as such, the equity method is not appropriate. The investment should be recorded at fair value. However, the Company elected the practicability exception to fair value measurement because the equity security does not have a readily determinable fair value. Accordingly, the Company has recorded the investment at cost less impairment if any. Based upon a qualitative assessment, the Company has determined that the investment should not be impaired. Qualitative considerations included an evaluation of the COVID-19 pandemic delays to the start-up of flight operations in India. Both Hunch and Blade remain committed to the venture and discussions are underway with third parties to raise the next round of equity capital for the joint venture. As such, no impairment was warranted as of September 30, 2021.
As of September 30, 2021 and 2020, other non-current assets included amounts due from Blade India of $113 and $73, respectively.