NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Just one month after launching continuous helicopter flights between Manhattan and John F. Kennedy Airport (“JFK”), BLADE Urban Air Mobility, Inc. (“BLADE”) has expanded its service to include LaGuardia Airport (“LaGuardia”) and Newark Liberty International Airport (“Newark”). BLADE’s service is the largest Urban Air Mobility (“UAM”) initiative in the United States and will further advance the company’s mission of enhancing the reach and affordability of urban aviation.
“Since expanding our continuous flight service between Manhattan and JFK, we are seeing faster than expected adoption by people choosing to fly to the airport rather than driving,” said Rob Wiesenthal, CEO of BLADE. “It has become immediately apparent that fliers want the flexibility to fly between Manhattan and, not only JFK, but all area airports.”
New routes are between LaGuardia and Manhattan’s Downtown/Wall Street Heliport, as well as Newark and BLADE Lounge East (East 34th Street Heliport.) JFK service will continue to and from BLADE Lounge West (West 30th Street Heliport) across from Hudson Yards.
At $195 per seat, BLADE consistently beats the price of app-based SUV’s during rush hour. Complimentary ground transportation between the airport helipad and all commercial airline terminals is included.
Through its alliance with BELL, BLADE’s airport service utilizes BELL 206L-4 helicopters, aircraft with one of the lowest noise and environmental footprints in the industry. Certain municipalities in the New York area have designated these helicopters under the “Not Noisy” aircraft classification. All flights strictly follow New York City noise abatement routes, altitudes, and best practices.
About BLADE
BLADE is a digitally-powered aviation company and the largest arranger of helicopter flights for civilian travel in the United States. By leveraging its technology platform, strategic lounge network of 10 dedicated properties in 4 states, and its integrated partnerships with over 30 aviation operators, the company has expanded its offerings from one route in one state to 22 core routes in seven U.S. states. BLADE has proven to grow the size of the short distance aviation market in the areas in which it operates. Over 75% of BLADE's first-time helicopter passengers have never flown in a helicopter before flying BLADE.
One of BLADE’s key long-term goals is to make short distance aviation more accessible through quiet, carbon neutral and cost effective aircraft (eVTOL) currently being developed by our investors and partners, which include Airbus, Lockheed Martin and Bell.
BLADE Urban Air Mobility, Inc. is not a direct air carrier. All flights between Manhattan and JFK are operated by DOT/FAA licensed direct air carriers.
To learn more about BLADE’s other services including BLADEone and amphibious seaplane services, visit flyblade.com.
