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In a momentus development for BLADE, the innovative air mobility company, costs for their mobility services reached a significant milestone by achieving near cost parity with Uber in the bustling streets of New York City due to their ongoing promotion of buy one seat, get one seat for 50% off. This achievement not only marks a pivotal moment for the air mobility industry but also sets a compelling model for the evolution of future air mobility services.

Much like the early days of ride-hailing giant Uber, BLADE’s journey to cost parity began with higher prices due to the novelty and limited infrastructure of the technology. However, through strategic advancements, technological innovations, and growing demand, BLADE has managed to make aerial commuting an accessible and viable option for urban commuters.

In its nascent stages, BLADE’s helicopter service was considered a luxury, reserved for only a niche market. Yet, echoing the transformative story of Uber’s evolution, BLADE recognized that to truly revolutionize urban transportation, democratization and increased reach is an important tenant of their business model. By consistently expanding its fleet, optimizing routes, and streamlining operations, BLADE made tangible strides in reducing costs without compromising safety or quality.

The achievement of near cost parity (while this promotion is ongoing) between BLADE and Uber holds profound implications for the future of air mobility. As numerous companies explore the potential of aerial transportation, initial high costs are widely anticipated. However, BLADE’s model can serve as an example of the potential for these types of advances, illustrating that these costs are not insurmountable barriers, but rather stepping stones toward affordability.

The path forged by BLADE underscores the evolution of disruptive technologies, highlighting the essential cycle of innovation, optimization, and mass adoption. By building a sustainable business model that prioritizes efficiency and accessibility, BLADE showcases the blueprint for other urban air mobility services to follow.

As urbanization accelerates, traffic congestion intensifies, and sustainability gains paramount importance, the role of air mobility is destined to grow. BLADE’s approach in coming closer to cost parity is a testament to the resilience of pioneers willing to navigate new business models in aviation. It’s a reassurance that though initial costs might be high, visionary approaches and relentless dedication can propel these revolutionary modes of transportation into affordability.

Why it’s important: BLADE’s progress toward cost parity is indicative of the principle that every achievement starts with a small step – a first flight that transforms into an entire industry soaring to new heights of accessibility and efficiency. The future of urban air mobility is taking flight, and BLADE’s impact on progressing aviation toward more progressive outcomes is making an impact.

Blade Air Mobility announced today that they have entered into an agreement with Newport Helipad to operate and revitalize the Newport Helistop, denoted 91NJ, located in Newport, Jersey City, New Jersey. This area is one of the largest and most successful mixed-use communities on the Hudson River waterfront, and the agreement is subject to the execution of definitive documentation.

Blade plans to manage and operate the Helistop on behalf of Newport for both Blade flights and third-party operations. The Helistop is located on the Hudson River waterfront, approximately 3,800 feet from Manhattan. “All large communities will need an urban air mobility strategy to bolster their attractiveness to corporations and residents alike in an increasingly competitive market,” said Nate Alexander, Blade’s Senior Director, Rotorcraft Operations. Notably, this agreement will help to demonstrate the proper processes and working relationships required to safely grow urban air mobility in the greater New York City metropolitan area using conventional aircraft today, while preparing for the deployment of aerial mobility aircraft in the future.

Under the agreement, Blade will begin a pilot program for charter flights and explore the viability of the first-ever scheduled, by-the-seat service between the Helistop and local New York City area airports and heliports; the program will provide a convenient travel option for commuters, particularly for Newport tenants and employees of major banks and corporations that maintain large office presences around the Helistop. A flight from the Helistop to JFK Airport will take approximately 5 minutes versus up to 2 ½ hours by car.

In an effort to mitigate any potential noise impact on the neighboring communities, only helicopter flights for public transportation or emergency services will be permitted at the Helistop. Tourist flights, as well as helicopter operators who violate the New York City Economic Development Corporation’s designated noise abatement routing for tourist flights along the New Jersey and New York City Hudson River corridor, will not be allowed to utilize the Helistop.

The agreement will also provide Blade with the opportunity to construct an exclusive-use, Blade branded terminal at the Helistop to facilitate safe and efficient operations for Blade flights and provide lounge amenities for Blade fliers.

Why it’s important: This agreement is the first of its kind in 13 years in the NYC area, as opening new or reopening existing heliports and vertical aircraft operation locations requires a large amount of coordination and approvals. BLADE’s ability to successfully execute this deal serves as a case study for future expansions in the area. Further, it underscores the types of working relationships needed for continuing growth as additional routes come to fruition for advanced aerial mobility deployment and the continuing commercialization of last-mile urban transportation, thereby relieving road congestion and reducing carbon emissions.

BLADE, provider of Air Mobility services worldwide, has recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding agreement with Jaunt Air Mobility to bring Jaunt’s eVTOL aircraft to India for commercial operations.

Above: Rendering of Jaunt’s Journey aircraft with BLADE branding

BLADE currently operates major helicopter and private jet flights on-demand in urban locations throughout the world, providing the most accessible urban air mobility solution to date. Already, Blade’s prices near UberX prices in New York locations. With the introduction of EVAs (electric vertical aircraft), urban flight will become even more affordable.

With this new agreement, Blade India has agreed to work with Jaunt Air Mobility, a key developer of a unique eVTOL aircraft, to launch electric vertical air mobility networks in India starting in 2027. The MoU states Blade’s intention to purchase 150 Jaunt Journey aircraft, with an option to order another 100 aircraft to meet projected demand.

Currently, India represents the third-large aviation market in the world. Said Amit Dutta, Managing Director of BLADE India: “With its vast expanse and increasing congestion, India is one of the biggest markets in the world for AAM solutions. With BLADE’s first mover advantage in nurturing the Urban Air Mobility ecosystem in India and Jaunt’s technical expertise, this partnership is well poised to pioneer the transition to electric and revolutionize the transportation system.”

Simon Briceno, Chief Commercial Officer for Jaunt, commented: “We are thrilled to partner with an exceptional BLADE India team to pursue the launch of a new form of urban air travel in India and the subcontinent region. ur collaboration with BLADE India and our clear path towards aircraft certification means that the Indian public will soon be able to benefit from the development of a new safe, affordable, and accessible mode of transportation”

According to Jaunt, it’s aircraft design will offer the safety, flexibility, comfort, and efficiency benefits of a helicopter combined with those of a fixed wing airplane, at a fraction of the operational and maintenance costs, all with zero emissions and a very low noise profile.

Branching out to electric air mobility has been part of BLADE’s roadmap for several years now, with plans to augment and eventually possibly entirely replace helicopter routes with all-electric vertical aircraft. To this end, it has also made agreements with Beta Technologies, Boeing’s Wisk, Jet Linx, and EmbraerX’s EVE.

Through this partnership, Jaunt and also will work with Blade to help develop the necessary infrastructure and customer-facing experiences for electric air mobility in India. This will include the introduction of charging infrastructure, as well as use Blade’s existing short haul operational routes in India to integrate the Jaunt Journey.

Why it’s important:

With this agreement, BLADE adds yet another eVTOL maker to its ever-growing list of partners. By cornering the existing market for on-demand helicopter transportation, BLADE has made itself the forerunning company for eVTOL operations going forward, as many of its existing routes and operations can be replaced with eVTOL to save on operating and maintenance costs, and increase demand.

In addition, this agreement markes a major partnership for Jaunt Air Mobility, who has been working on the goal of signing commercial operator agreements with transportation providers globally. Jaunt has already also made partnerships in South Korea and Latin America. It’s partnership with Blade is one of its most significant to date, providing the company with clear and high-potential path to market in India.

Source // BLADE Air Mobility, Global NewsWire

Related:

• BETA and Blade complete first piloted eVTOL flight in New York area
• EmbraerX’s Eve to Provide BLADE with up to 60 eVTOL Aircraft
• Jaunt and MintAir partner to launch aerial mobility service in South Korea
• L&T Technology Services is Awarded $100 million to Manufacture Jaunt Air Mobility Aircraft

Blade Air Mobility and RedBird Capital Partners announced last week that RedBird has increased its ownership in Blade to more than 5%. Further, the announcement comes as RedBird also announces that partner Andrew Lauck will become a board observer.

RedBird’s has been invested in Blade since 2016, and collectively the RedBird and Blade teams have closely collaborated during the development and growth process of each firm.

Blade’s core operations – last mile air mobility, jet charter, and organ transplant flights – overlap with RedBird’s existing aviation portfolio, and both companies expect to be leading supporters of aviation’s eventual transition towards Electric Vertical Aircraft technology.

RedBird and Blade also plan to work together across RedBird’s portfolio to accelerate Blade’s growth objectives. RedBird’s global sports and media properties provide a natural complement to Blade’s urban air mobility solutions; the partnership could lead to establishment of an organized transportation network similar to Qatar Airway’s increased schedule frequency during the World Cup transporting fans to sporting venues en masse.

“Gerry has developed some of the most exciting platforms in aviation, sports and entertainment and the strengthening of our partnership with RedBird will allow us to supercharge our offerings to Blade fliers in the U.S and Europe,” said Rob Wiesenthal, Blade’s CEO. “The partnership will also allow us to build our fast-growing organ transplant flight business and source acquisitions that can benefit from our global brand, infrastructure and tech platform – ultimately accelerating our timeline to achieving profitability while enhancing our growth trajectory.”

“Blade is an integral part of our broader aviation investment strategy which looks to benefit from current aviation market growth as well as future disruption from the transition of helicopters to Electric Vertical Aircraft,” said Gerry Cardinale, RedBird Founder and Managing Partner.

Why it’s important: The increased investment in BLADE Aerial Mobility by Redbird allows the companies to collaborate and leverage one another’s expertise, while setting the stage for future use cases for aerial mobility aircraft and further strengthening BLADE’s balance sheet. The long time collaboration by CEOs of each company should also help the integration period as Lauck observes Board proceedings and likely holds discussions on preference for future company plans.

Embraer’s Eve will conduct its first North American UAM simulation using helicopters in partnership with Blade Urban Air Mobility. With these simulations, the company aims to study operations, ground services, passenger journeys and eVTOL operator needs, creating more accessible and faster connections to Downtown Chicago. Eve will conduct its Chicago, Ill. UAM simulation over three weeks, starting with ground tests on September 12th and passenger flights on the 14th. Following the simulation, the city of Chicago will gain knowledge about the infrastructure and ecosystem needed to enable the launch and expected long-term growth of UAM in the area.

“Simulating the eVTOL operation in Chicago allows us to study how people will experience this service and understand the entire ecosystem requirements for our product and services, while showcasing the benefit of Urban Air Mobility in one of North America’s most prominent and populated cities,” said André Stein, co-CEO of Eve. “We are wrapping up preparations to execute these simulations seamlessly and look forward to helping prepare Chicago for a local zero-emission UAM solution that is quiet, efficient, and sustainable.”

Eve will perform the ground tests at Vertiport Chicago, an existing downtown heliport facility simulating services, infrastructure, and equipment requirements for eVTOL. In planned UAM infrastructure, Vertiports will be any area of land or a structure used for the landing, take-off, charging and operation of eVTOL vehicles.

“For Eve, it is essential to understand and address through these projects involving partners and the community the key challenges associated with the main pillars of the UAM ecosystem. Our proposal brings together all stakeholders and counts on different views and feedback to structure and deliver the best solutions,” said Luiz Mauad, Vice President of Services and Fleet Operations at Eve.

For this simulation, Eve has formed a consortium of partners, including Blade, Republic Airways, Halo Aviation, Vertiport Chicago, Village of Tinley Park, Village of Schaumburg, ACCIONA, SkyWest, Inc. and Speedbird Aero. A helicopter replicating Eve’s future eVTOL will transport passengers from the Vertiport Chicago facility to two helistops located northwest and southwest of Chicago. The first route will connect Vertiport Chicago to Schaumburg Municipal Helistop, and the second route will connect Vertiport Chicago to Tinley Park Helistop in Illinois. 

Rendering of Embraer’s Eve eVTOL in flight

Why it matters: Blade and Eve partnering in Chicago to simulate eVTOL operations will provide great operational data to eVTOL makers. Special considerations like loading/unloading times, Vertiport operations, and infrastructure requirements will serve to bring a better product offering for aerial mobility in the future. Expect similar studies to be conducted as eVTOL makers pivot from design and testing to operationalizing their prototypes.

Source: Eve press release

JetBlue has formed a partnership with Blade Urban Air Mobility to begin offering helicopter transfers between major airports and final destinations. At some point in the future, these routes will likely be served by eVTOL aircraft.

A Beta Technologies eVTOL with BLADE branding flying above New York City
BLADE has placed an order for 20 of Beta’s ‘Alia’ eVTOL aircraft.

In cities like New York, BLADE’s current helicopter airport transfer offerings mean replacing up to two hours of ground transportation with just a five-minute helicopter flight. In particular, Blade emphasizes airport transfers between JFK Airport and its upscale lounges in East and West Manhattan.

Members of JetBlue’s Mosaic+ program will now have access to (limited) complimentary seats on Blade Airport helicopter transfers when connecting to or from JetBlue flights. In addition, JetBlue flights will now be better synced with BLADE’s helicopter transfer schedules, meaning seamless air mobility travel for customers. BLADE will now also offer daily service between the BLADE Lounge in East Manhattan and JFK.

A BLADE helicopter landing at an NYC lounge after an airport transfer from John F. Kennedy International Airport

“Given its New York City roots JetBlue is an ideal partner as we have ramped up our Blade Airport service to six days a week and up to thirteen hours per day in New York City,” said Melissa Tomkiel, Blade’s President.

Chris Buckner, vice president of loyalty & partnerships, JetBlue, Commented: “We know the JetBlue journey starts long before our customers step aboard one of our flights, which is why we are making more of the entire travel experience even easier and even more rewarding. This partnership with Blade will help us further evolve and enhance our TrueBlue program so our most loyal customers can enjoy more perks more often.”

In recent years, BLADE has made clear intentions to eventually transition from traditional helicopters to eVTOL aircraft for its services. It currently offers both urban air mobility travel and regional mobility travel through helicopters and private fixed-wing aircraft, making eVTOL an excellent and economically better option for the company. Already, BLADE has announced partnerships with eVTOL manufacturers Beta Technologies and Embraer’s Eve for orders of up to 80 total aircraft.

An ‘Eve’ eVTOL from EmbraerX featuring BLADE branding.
BLADE has placed an order for 60 of Beta’s ‘Alia’ eVTOL aircraft.

Why it’s important: This partnership between BLADE and JetBlue represents the beginning of seamless air travel from airports to final destinations within large cities. As eVTOL companies begin to reach the market, expect to see more major airlines looking to create partnerships with aspiring eVTOL operators for better travel experiences that greatly reduce overall travel times. While the current partnership targets Mosaic+ Elite frequent travelers with JetBlue airlines, it’s likely the first in a series of future partnerships between other airlines and last mile mobility companies as the complete travel experience (door to door transport) is capitalized upon.

Source // BLADE Urban Air Mobility

Related:

• EmbraerX’s Eve to Provide BLADE with up to 60 eVTOL Aircraft (June 2021)
• BLADE Urban Air Mobility Achieves 208% Revenue Jump (February 2022)
• BLADE Announces Deal for Operator’s Order of up to 20 BETA EVA’s (April 2021)

The accomplished short distance, by-the-seat charter air mobility company BLADE recently reported major upticks in revenues during the year of 2021, signaling significant growth for the air mobility sector as eVTOLs become prevalent.

Image: BLADE Urban Air Mobility, which currently manages operations of helicopters, also mentioned future plans to work with BETA Technologies and their Alia eVTOL, which could include the eventual operation of a fleet of 20 of the aircraft.

BLADE highlighted many key areas of growth in their most recent financial disclosures. Firstly, the company reported overall revenue growth of 208%, bringing its total revenue for 2021 to $24.6 million versus $8.0 million in the previous comparable period. Noting another key growth spurt, the company also highlighted that its pre-pandemic revenue of $5.2 million grew by 371% to current revenue of $24.6 million.

While this massive growth is due to a number of factors, a likely key contributor is the rise in popularity of urban air mobility during the pandemic. More and more people with the means to do so are switching to private air travel rather than public. With this rise, personal air mobility as a concept is on the rise as well, meaning the world could start to see a transition to using air mobility services far more often as emerging eVTOLs (such as Beta Technologies’ Alia) makes these services more affordable.

In addition to expanding its urban transportation routes and maintaining its other business operations such as MediMobility organ transportation and private jet routes, departments of BLADE Urban Air Mobility are focused on working with their eVTOL partner Beta Technologies to accelerate flight testing, public awareness, and certification efforts for the four-passenger Alia eVTOL aircraft.

According to a recent press release from BLADE, the two companies are working together towards conducting a joint public flight test of the Alia aircraft in the greater New York area, possibly as soon as early Q2 of 2022. This demonstration flight will not only show the great progress that is being made by both BLADE and Beta, but is also meant to show the public the “near-silent” nature of this next-generation aircraft.

In addition, BLADE mentions that Beta Technologies has obtained a supplemental experiment type certificate from the FAA, which will enable them to double their flight testing capacity. BLADE also notes that the Alia aircraft has now been flying regularly between Plattsburgh, NY and the company’s base in Burlington, Vermont.

Why it’s important: With the massive surge in demand for the transportation needs provided by BLADE Urban Air Mobility, the company has been able to make an already-profitable set of offerings even more successful. By adding eVTOLs from Beta Technologies (which BLADE is working hard to accelerate), the company will be able to even further lower maintenance and operating costs on flights, allowing their offered services to become even more accessible and widespread.

Blade Air Mobility, Inc. (“Blade”, NASDAQ: BLDE) and Eve Urban Air Mobility Solutions, Inc. (“Eve”), a subsidiary of Embraer S.A. (“Embraer,” NYSE: ERJ), have announced an arrangement for Eve to provide Blade up to 60,000 hours of flight time per year on its EVA (electric vertical aircraft) beginning in 2026 for use in Southern Florida and West Coast markets.

Eve’s concept aircraft. Proof of concept prototype took flight in October 2020.

This marks Eve’s second partnership with an aerial mobility operator, having recently partnered with Ascent Urban Air Mobility for markets in the Asia-Pacific region. The aircraft’s design is impressive, with 8 vertical lift propellers, 2 pusher propellers, and room for 4 passengers plus a pilot. Dedicated thought was given to the aircraft’s aerodynamic design and cabin, giving it a fixed wing to increase range in forward flight, and an accessible and spacious cabin for passengers.

As an organization, Eve offers both its aircraft,and its Urban Air Traffic Management system, which recently reached a new milestone in its collaboration with the United Kingdom’s Civil Aviation Authority to develop a scalable environment needed to host UAM flights.

Eve plans to deploy, together with local partners, up to 60 aircraft for Blade’s use throughout the United States beginning in 2026. Blade will pay for flight time utilized on Eve’s aircraft, which will be made available by Eve and other third-parties. The deployment of Eve aircraft across the Blade network is subject to the parties entering into definitive final agreements.

Said Rob Wiesenthal, CEO of Blade: “Blade is pleased to partner with Eve, leveraging Embraer’s deep aerospace expertise to provide Blade with quiet, zero-carbon, electric aircraft. Eve’s aircraft provides ideal operating economics for Blade’s shorter distance routes, adding to our three other recently announced EVA partnerships which, together, can optimize service for Blade’s wide variety of mission profiles and regional hubs.”

Said  Andre Stein, President & CEO of Eve: “Blade is aligned with our mission as they have created a platform that provides the user seamless access to Urban Air Mobility, and now with Eve to provide an experience that is quiet and without emissions. The company’s platform will be instrumental in deploying our aircraft in key markets in South Florida and the West Coast of the United States. This partnership with Blade is the next step in unlocking the future of mobility in these key areas and marks an exciting time for both companies.”

Why it’s important: The partnership with Eve represents BLADE’s third agreement with an eVTOL development and manufacturing partner, and its fourth with electric aircraft developers overall. Other notable partners for aircraft include Beta Technologies, MagniX, and Wisk. With this announcement, BLADE adds Embraer, an aircraft developer with over 50 years of experience, to its upcoming repertoire of aircraft providers. Through these partnerships, BLADE positions itself as a foremost service provider for the rapidly approaching electric aerial mobility market.

Source // BLADE Air Mobility

Related:

• Blade Partners with magniX for Electrification of Lima Cessnas
• Wisk and BLADE Partner for Key UAM Routes
• BLADE Announces Deal for Operator’s Order of up to 20 BETA EVA’s
• EmbraerX’s Eve Urban Air Mobility Partners with Ascent for Asia-Pacific Market Entry

Blade Urban Mobility Inc. and magniX have partnered to integrate magniX’s Electric Propulsion Units into Lima’s Blade-branded fleet of Cessna Caravans, an amphibious aircraft used by Blade in their aerial mobility routes. The integration is expected to be finished by early 2023, where each all-electric Caravan will operate in zero-emissions while maintaining the current performance standards for the Caravan, and outputting significantly less noise footprints with lowered operating costs.

As part of the partnership, Lima will be the exclusive owner of the supplemental type certificate (STC) for the Caravan’s conversion from the turbine engine to the magniX EPU in the northeastern part of the United States. Currently, Blade is the exclusive platform for Lima flights for public use in the United States, where key routes include trips between the Blade Aqua Lounge at the East 23rd Street seaplane base in New York City, the eastern end of Long Island, and the Blade Terminal in Nantucket, Massachusetts.

The Cessna Caravan, provided by Lima and Blade. Photograph: magniX

According to Blade president Melssia Tomkiel, “Amphibious seaplane service has always been an essential part of our urban air mobility strategy, given the aircraft’s unique ability to access city centers through conveniently located waterways, such as Manhattan’s East River, as well as traditional airports. The electrification of our accessible fleet of Blade-branded aircraft, made possible through our alliance with magniX and Lima, one of our key operating partners, will further accelerate our transition to quiet, emission-free flight, allowing us to reduce the environmental and sound impact in and around the communities where we fly.”

Another aircraft that will soon be added to Blade’s fleet: The BETA Technologies ALIA. Photograph: Blade

Additionally, according to magniX CEO Roei Ganzarski, “Partnering with Blade and Lima to bring electric aviation to one of the largest cities, and highly populated regions in the United States, is an incredible proof point to the value of offering communities zero emissions, reduced noise, and lower operating costs. With electric propulsion as our cornerstone, magniX continues to build toward the new electric age of aviation.”

This partnership is subject to the FAA”s approval of the STC as well as both parties entering into further agreements, but is expected to pass with no issues.

Photograph: Blade

Why it’s important: This recent partnership between Blade and Lima is one of many exciting announcements from BLADE, which also recently signed with Beta Technologies to acquire up to 20 of BETA’s ALIA eVTOL aircraft. Through Blade’s agreement with magniX, one of the largest current aerial mobility providers continues to move in the direction of electrification for their fleet.
Source // Business Wire

Aerial mobility developer Wisk has officially announced a partnership with BLADE Urban Air Mobility to provide and operate up to 30 eVTOL aircraft on key routes. Wisk, originally founded from Larry Page’s Kitty Hawk, is developer of the all-electric, autonomous Cora aircraft, which has already conducted hundreds of flight tests, and has partnered with the likes of Boeing and Air New Zealand.

Blade and Wisk intend to deploy the Cora eVTOL aircraft on short distance routes between BLADE’s dedicated terminals. Wisk will maintain ownership and operating rights of the vehicles and has agreed to flight hour minimums with BLADE.

In addition to the announcement, the two companies have agreed to create a taskforce that will research the deployment of technologies necessary to expedite aircraft charging and implement next-generation air traffic management. The partnership combines Wisk’s technical expertise in vehicle design and operations with BLADE’s six years of operations experience in helicopter aerial mobility.

“We look forward to working with Wisk to help accelerate Blade’s transition from conventional rotorcraft to safe, quiet, emission-free Electric Vertical Aircraft,” said Rob Wiesenthal, CEO of Blade.

“This arrangement validates that UAM is the future of mobility,” said Gary Gysin, CEO of Wisk. “To date, we have been focused on developing an aircraft and customer experience that is efficient, accessible, and — most importantly — safe. The combination of our expertise as an autonomous eVTOL aircraft manufacturer and operator, with the operational expertise of Blade, will help usher in an even greater level of safety and service.”

“The Wisk-Blade arrangement is a perfect fit for our asset light model,” said Will Heyburn, CFO and Head of Corporate Development for Blade. “Backed by Boeing’s deep aerospace experience, Wisk will own, operate and maintain their aircraft as part of our network, allowing Blade to focus on delivering a great experience to our fliers.”

Why it matters: Through this partnership, Wisk will become one of the first eVTOL manufacturers to reach commercial operation in the U.S, by utilizing BLADE’s platform and existing business and operations infrastructure. BLADE conversely benefits by leveraging eVTOLs as an early adopter, with less risk than being a developer, since Wisk will maintain ownership and day-to-day operation of the vehicles. Notably, this is BLADE’s second eVTOL developer partnership, closely following a deal with Beta Technologies last month.

Source: Wisk Press Release

While international air travel still suffers major load factor reductions due to COVID, domestic travel in the United States and other countries globally continues to grow towards pre-pandemic levels. Data from the Transportation Security Administration indicates that the rolling average load factor for air travel in the US has exceeded 60% of 2019 levels, up from only 15% of original 2019 load factor levels in 2020. With many aerial mobility companies lauding 2023 and 2024 entry into service dates, will the reduced quantity of air travel negatively affect initial operations?

Most generally, no. Since initial operations of aerial mobility aircraft will be more limited than full scale networks, initial flights between city points or urban areas to area airports will be few in number regardless of total domestic demand. Additionally, since the demand for private and general aviation has skyrocketed as travelers increasingly favor modes of air travel with less direct contact with other travelers, a hybridized model for future passengers is most likely.

In addition, recent IATA trends also show that international travel is increasing, and a large proportion of air travel models indicate recoveries (in full or to their new peak load factor levels) within three years. Urban mobility companies like BLADE have resumed continuous flights between Manhattan and area airports, which were discontinued during the deepest portion of the travel rut of 2020. In many ways, the reduction in air travel demand over the past year has also allowed many manufacturers the chance to focus more heavily on their technology and flight testing campaigns, driving more value into their ultimate products.

Why it’s important: While demand for air travel is not yet fully restored to pre-pandemic levels, examination of past trends toward recovery from past events such as oil embargos shows some loose predictions for the future of aerial mobility load factor demand. The target entry to service date for most eVTOL aircraft of 2023 to 2024, at the earliest, should support and match the majority of increased traffic demand predictions from current levels. And, since the demand for general aviation and private air travel during COVID was one of the largest areas for the industry’s growth, aerial mobility’s alignment with similar market sectors is well poised for the future.

BLADE Urban Air Mobility has announced securing options for up to 20 BETA Technologies ALIA EVA (electric vertical aircraft) for order by BLADE UAM’s network of operators this morning via press release.

The announcement will allow BLADE’s network of operators the option to sign purchase agreements for the EVA, which would be delivered in late 2024, ahead of the initial projected readiness date of 2025. While other manufacturers have outlined challenges in achieving readiness by mid-2020’s, BETA continues to make significant strides to make and beat their timelines.

Additionally, BLADE will enter into a partnership with Jet Linx Aviation, LLC supported by Red Bird Capital Partners, related to the purchase of the ALIA EVA’s. Blade UAM CEO Rob Wiesenthal characterized the motivation behind the announcement, while also stating that BLADE will continue to remain open to other manufacturer’s aircraft as they become available:  “Blade is laser focused on its transition from conventional rotorcraft to Electric Vertical Aircraft. The ALIA’s extremely low sound footprint, coupled with its zero emissions design, will enable us to reduce the noise and environmental impact to the communities surrounding the existing heliport and airport infrastructure we currently use. ALIA is a full scale EVA flying in piloted configuration almost every day.”

UPS announced an order for BETA ALIA EVA’s last week. Image // UPS

Wiesenthal also commented that the ALIA was well-suited for the challenging operational environment that the Northeast presents – cold winters, wind, and periods of inclement weather. Fortunately, the ALIA was developed in a similar environment in the Northeast and is well-suited to address those environmental concerns. A number of other entities have selected the ALIA for other uses – UPS for logistics and package delivery, United Therapeutics for organ transplant, and the Air Force for defense purposes. BLADE UAM’s selection and order of ALIA’s is the first landmark commercial passenger transport announcement for the BETA team.

Further, the two companies maintain a similar stature of operations – BLADE is already flying customers on demand in routes well suited to the ALIA’s capabilities, and BETA is already flying the ALIA EVA regularly during test flights. The two companies are in agreement that a full stack, vertical approach to the on demand commercial aerial mobility problem may be too large of a scope to effectively address, and that leveraging strengths is a more effective means for earlier deployment of EVA services to passengers.

The ALIA EVA includes a unique combination of elements that create a smooth, quiet flying experience, with applications for moving both people and cargo, all while producing zero operational emissions. According to BETA, ALIA can fly six people 250 nautical miles on a single charge and the aircraft is more than 10x quieter than a helicopter, imperceptible over normal urban noise and quieter than cars on a highway.  As part of the agreement, BETA has committed that ALIA will meet the necessary specifications required to operate on Blade’s key routes prior to delivery.  Purchases of ALIA EVA are conditioned on FAA type certification of the aircraft prior to the scheduled delivery date. Blade has committed to facilitate the purchase of at least five and up to 20 aircraft by its network of operators or third parties that will lease the aircraft to Blade operators.

BETA is currently in pursuit of Part 23 Certification with the FAA, and cites the simplicity of design of its aircraft as a key enabling feature to its future success. The ALIA has fixed pitch propellers, centralized batteries, and pragmatism of controllability that is crucial for safe, efficient operation.

Why it’s important: Following suit of UPS’ significant announcement last week for orders of the Alia EVA, BLADE Urban Air Mobility is proving complement to the confidence placed in BETA’s new aircraft, and is similar to UPS in that BLADE is already actualizing the end case – transportation of paying customers, on demand. The net change for BLADE will be an equipment swap, albeit a significant one with reduced noise foot print, operating cost, and increased efficiency. Fortunately, both BETA and BLADE will play to their strengths if the options for up to 20 ALIA EVA’s are exercised.