Results for: blade

Blade Announces Alliance with Vertiport Chicago

20 February 2021 || 4 min read

BLADE Urban Air Mobility announced today that it entered into an alliance with Vertiport Chicago. In December of 2020, Experience Investment Corp. (NASDAQ: EXPC) agreed to merge with Blade, which will create, following the closing of the merger, the only publicly traded urban air mobility platform in the United States. As part of the alliance, Blade partner Helicopters, Inc. will...

Blade Announces Alliance with Vertiport Chicago

20 February 2021 || 4 min read

Vertiport Chicago to be rebranded Vertiport Chicago Powered by Blade.

As part of the alliance, Blade partner Helicopters, Inc. will station rotorcraft at the Vertiport to fly Blade passengers on routes which are expected to include flights between the Vertiport and O’Hare Airport, Lake Geneva and other lake communities, as well as Notre Dame, University of Illinois and other universities for sporting events. Vertiport Chicago is conveniently located near the Downtown Loop and is the city’s only vertiport.

Blade will have the exclusive right to offer passenger flights sold by-the-seat at the Vertiport, which will be rebranded “Vertiport Chicago Powered by Blade.” The Company will also have the right to build a branded terminal onsite to accommodate the processing of passengers when flight volume necessitates it to maintain the level of customer experience the Company is known for.

Additionally, Blade expects to service Chicago hospitals for its growing MediMobility business which currently flies more human organ transport missions in the Northeast than any other company.

“Chicago is the third largest city in the United States. It is the right time for us to establish a strategic presence in this important market.”, said Melissa Tomkiel, President of Blade.

Ms. Tomkiel added, “There are a number of passenger routes where we see real potential, and we look forward to enabling local hospitals to take advantage of Blade’s cost-effective MediMobility human organ air transport business.”

The company will also work closely with the Vertiport to ensure that it has the necessary infrastructure to support the transition to next-generation Electric Vertical Aircraft (“EVA”).

“The build out of infrastructure for next generation vertical air travel in Chicago is beginning now. Our alliance with Blade will only serve to accelerate our ability to help create the network of landing zones our city needs to be competitive in the future,” said Daniel Mojica of Vertiport Chicago.

Why it matters: Blade partnering with Vertiport Chicago and MediMobility ushers in another geographical market ripe for disruption by UAM services. Building on existing operations in New York, Los Angeles, and south Florida, Blade brings key expertise of flight operations in urban environments. As these key partnerships are forged and infrastructure built, Blade is well positioned to usher in the next era of transportation.

Blade and Ross Aviation Announce Strategic Alliance

10 January 2021 || 4 min read

BLADE Urban Air Mobility and fixed base operator Ross Aviation have entered into a strategic partnership to further the roll-out of urban air mobility services in certain areas. These regions will include areas where Ross Aviation and Blade operations overlap. BLADE is a market leader in modern urban air mobility, having already created a large network of on-demand, by-the seat...

Blade and Ross Aviation Announce Strategic Alliance

10 January 2021 || 4 min read

Passengers disembark a BLADE helicopter arriving in Manhattan

BLADE is a market leader in modern urban air mobility, having already created a large network of on-demand, by-the seat helicopter transportation options within many of the world’s major cities. By partnering with Ross Aviation, a nationwide operator of fixed base operation terminals at seventeen different airports, BLADE will launch a pilot program offering daily helicopter flights between Ross Aviation’s West Terminal at the Westchester County Airport and Blade heliport terminals in Manhattan to serve commuters from the Westchester/Connecticut area.

In addition, the two companies will create blueprints for an eVTOL vertiport located at the Westchester airport, as BLADE eventually plans to phase out its helicopter fleet in favor of eVTOL aircraft. The plans will include the infrastructure required to hangar, charge, stage and deploy eVTOLs.

Vision of an urban eVTOL Vertiport, created by Volocopter

According to Rob Wiesenthal, CEO of BLADE: “Even with the expected increase of remote working post-pandemic, we believe that intermittent commuting of one to two times per week between the suburbs and New York City will be a reality. Congestion on tri-state area roads is now estimated at 90% of pre-pandemic levels. Given the combination of being near Uber Black pricing at $175, and the time savings of an approximately 12-minute flight, this service makes sense today and over the long term.”

A passenger on a BLADE Urban Air Mobility flight

A recent press release detailed the companies’ plan to launch a pilot program offering daily helicopter flights between Ross Aviation’s West Terminal at the Westchester County Airport (the “Airport”) and Blade heliport terminals in Manhattan. “In 2019 alone, these commuters took more than 40 million trips commuting to and from New York City, the majority driving alone in a car for 1-2 hours in each direction.
Blade expects the five-day-per-week service to begin as early as March 2021, transforming that 1-2 hour drive into a 10-15 minute flight.” Blade also has plans to offer commuter passes in an effort to reduce the per seat cost to $95.

Why it’s important: The collaboration of these two companies represents the beginning of the transition from traditional urban travel to the advent of eVTOL. Through this partnership, BLADE will utilize Ross Aviation’s operator expertise to first introduce its helicopter fleet to commuting, and then eventually, its eVTOL fleet.

Related:

BLADE Urban Air Mobility To be Listed on NASDAQ

16 December 2020 || 3 min read

BLADE Urban Air Mobility, a modern by-the-seat helicopter mobility company, has officially announced that its stock will soon be added to the NASDAQ for public trading. Blade expects this transaction to provide $400 million in gross proceeds, with trading starting in early 2021. BLADE Urban Air Mobility is a pioneer in technology-enabled air mobility, providing affordable, on-demand, by-the-seat helicopter flights in...

BLADE Urban Air Mobility To be Listed on NASDAQ

16 December 2020 || 3 min read

Passengers board a BLADE urban flight in Los Angeles. BLADE in Los Angeles allows for direct-to-destination airport transfers and more.

BLADE Urban Air Mobility is a pioneer in technology-enabled air mobility, providing affordable, on-demand, by-the-seat helicopter flights in urban areas, as well as other services. Recently, recognizing the global growth trend in urban air mobility, the company doubled down on its investment in urban air mobility technologies by creating its own urban air mobility initiative. This initiative will use Blade’s infrastructure, fleet, passenger, and route management protocols and assets to lay the groundwork for the air mobility demand that will be created by eVTOL technologies, with BLADE eventually planning to transition to eVTOL itself. BLADE notes that the urban air mobility industry is expected to be a $125 billion market by 2025 and grow to $650 billion over the next decade.

A BLADE helicopter disembarks in NYC

According to BLADE, funds from the NASDAQ raise will enable the company to expand new urban air mobility routes, its network of captive passenger infrastructure, as well as its consumer-to-cockpit technology stack, “accelerating its transition from use of conventional aircraft to eVTOL aircraft”. The company has already developed exclusive passenger terminal infrastructure in key markets, providing a
competitive advantage in locations that are geographically constrained from adding additional heliports, as well as received $38 million from Airbus and real estate company Colony Northstar to begin building additional Vertiport Infrastructure.

Why it’s important: These new funds will allow BLADE to further lay the groundwork for the massive increase in demand for urban air travel that will be brought on by eVTOL. Once eVTOL aircraft become certified for commercial passenger flight, BLADE will already be a major market leader in fleet and passenger management, infrastructure development and more, having already offered technology-enabled on-demand flights for several years.

BLADE Announces Charters at Operating Cost for those affected by COVID-19

17 March 2020 || 3 min read

BLADE Urban Air Mobility recently announced that they will be extending their jet charter services to customers at operating cost to support those needing urgent on demand transportation from affected areas. From a BLADE press release: “Given the unprecedented level of uncertainty regarding commercial flight travel restrictions, mandatory health screenings for international commercial arrivals (with hours-long waits), and seemingly random...

BLADE Announces Charters at Operating Cost for those affected by COVID-19

17 March 2020 || 3 min read

From a BLADE press release: “Given the unprecedented level of uncertainty regarding commercial flight travel restrictions, mandatory health screenings for international commercial arrivals (with hours-long waits), and seemingly random decisions regarding quarantines, many of our fliers are eager to transport family, friends, and colleagues home via private air travel.”

A typical aircraft coordinated by BLADE UAM, operated by JFI Jets. Image // Elite Daily

BLADE furthered the statement by outlining that they have been coordinating with federal authorities, full-time state and local government advisors, and operator partners to help customers navigate the confusion regarding current, planned, and in-process restrictions and processes that remain critical to making informed judgments regarding private air travel at this time.

The key announcement: In an effort to best assist our community, BLADE is now providing charter availability for our entire accessible fleet of long-range jets at operating cost to anyone in need of transportation from an international location back to the United States.

Additionally, given the shortage of available aircraft, and in an effort to help as many travelers as possible, BLADE encouraged that these flights be shared, either through coordination by BLADE or by fliers themselves, assuming travelers had taken necessary precautions to ensure that they were not infected.

Why it’s important: BLADE’s reduction in cost for charters and on-demand transportation services has allowed customers access to international travel when they may not be able to access via any other means due to restrictions placed on commercial airlines. Regardless, those who are in greatest need of traveling for urgent situations, or attempting to return home to their families, still have the opportunity to do so. This announcement also falls in concert with the larger direction of the commercial airline industry being hit incredibly hard by the COVID-19 outbreaks, causing reductions in carrying capacity, crew leaves of absence, and extensive delays, cancellations, and rescheduling of airfares.

BLADE Announces new Miami Beach Service

21 November 2019 || 4 min read

In partnership with Vanquish motor yachts and ILand Miami water landing vessels, BLADE Urban Air Mobility will enable passengers to fly directly to Miami Beach Hotels. In an exciting new service release, BLADE Urban Air Mobility will allow customers to skip over major traffic jams to major Miami Beach hotels through its newest on-water helistop, available through March. The newest...

BLADE Announces new Miami Beach Service

21 November 2019 || 4 min read

In partnership with Vanquish motor yachts and ILand Miami water landing vessels, BLADE Urban Air Mobility will enable passengers to fly directly to Miami Beach Hotels.

In an exciting new service release, BLADE Urban Air Mobility will allow customers to skip over major traffic jams to major Miami Beach hotels through its newest on-water helistop, available through March.

The newest water-port will enable passengers on BLADE helicopters to fly directly from local airports like to off-shore their hotels, potentially saving them hours sitting in traffic caused by upcoming events like the Super Bowl, Art Basel, and the Miami Open. The Super Bowl in particular has been known to cause major gridlock, with 150,000 non-residents arriving in Atlanta for last year’s game. Cities have often been forced to redesign entire public transportation systems for these occasions.

Once passengers land after a short flight from Miami International, Palm Beach Airport, or Ft Lauderdale, a powerful Vanquish yacht will take them to the dock of their hotel. The entire trip from airport to hotel, including the yacht transfer, will take only 15 minutes.

An ILand Miami water landing vessel (left) and a Vanquish motor yacht (right)

The Airport to yacht to hotel trip, which takes less than 15 minutes.

This newest service by BLADE represents its commitment to the Urban Air Mobility vision. Through new technology and excellent logistics management, BLADE is making urban transportation a speedy pleasure rather than a lengthy ordeal, and has its eyes set on the future of incorporating eVTOL aircraft. Earlier this year, BLADE rebranded to focus more directly on Urban Air Mobility, making it one of the very first UAM companies in commercial operation. BLADE also operates in New York and surrounding areas, as well as cities on the West Coast such as Las Vegas and most recently Los Angeles and nearby destinations.

Why it’s important: BLADE is one of the first companies in the world to successfully operate an on-demand urban air mobility service. With the business model in successful operation, BLADE can simply integrate new eVTOL vehicles to create the full on-demand UAM network imagined by Uber Elevate and many other new air taxi companies. BLADE’s new offering in Miami further proves its capability of providing rapid and convenient point to point travel.

Sources // The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, BLADE Urban Air Mobility

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BLADE Urban Air Mobility’s new SoCal Offerings Target Untapped Aerial Mobility Market

31 October 2019 || 6 min read

BLADE Urban Air Mobility has expanded its offerings on the West Coast, now availing customers with direct, on demand flights connecting LAX, DTLA, Burbank, the Westside, Orange County, and more in Southern California. Months after the UAM provider brought their San Francisco Bay services into the public realm, they’ve continued to expand their West Coast market to include Southern California....

BLADE Urban Air Mobility’s new SoCal Offerings Target Untapped Aerial Mobility Market

31 October 2019 || 6 min read

Months after the UAM provider brought their San Francisco Bay services into the public realm, they’ve continued to expand their West Coast market to include Southern California.

BLADE’s Lounge in Downtown Los Angeles offers the chance to unwind before a flight to the West Side or LAX.

In an interview with BLADE’s General Manager of West Coast Operations, Shivani Parikh, and BLADE UAM Founder and CEO, Rob Wiesenthal, the new operations were described as an exciting new market for on-demand aerial mobility for the West Coast.

“Since expanding our continuous flight service in Manhattan and San Francisco, we are seeing faster-than-expected adoption by people choosing to fly rather than drive” Parikh stated. “Additionally, Los Angeles is on the forefront of embracing multi-modality transportation options such as auto, bike, and scooter shares as new ways of saving time. BLADE is now enabling another mobility option – the ability to fly short distances bypassing ground traffic on the way to work, home, the airport or to key leisure destinations. Los Angeles’ great weather contributes to an endless flying season for customers to take advantage of beating traffic in one of the most congested cities in the United States.

TransportUP’s Editor, Naish Gaubatz, went for a ride with the BLADE team in Los Angeles to demo the expansion of BLADE’s UAM offerings. The short helicopter ride highlighted the benefits of a dedicated urban air mobility operation in a congested city like Los Angeles – not only were the direct to heliport services at LAX a means to save time, the flight to the West Side showcased the ease of travelling along a route that would normally take almost an hour when the Northbound 405 Freeway is gridlocked (while the flight took less than 10 minutes and included spectacular views to boot).

BLADE operates Airbus H130 Helicopters in Southern California. The H130 is one of the safest and quietest helicopters in operation today.

Additionally, BLADE’s new expansion of services in Southern California play well with the culture of entertainment and luxury excursion that is signature of Los Angeles – and which many travel far to experience. In partnership with a variety of music, cultural, sporting, and large event programmers, BLADE has been able to capture a large amount of on-demand aerial mobility customers who are seeking better and faster ways to reach these marquis events. Not to mention, many of these experiences are accompanied with time at one of BLADE’s signature customer experience facets – the BLADE Lounge. Currently stationed in DTLA, the BLADE Lounge offers customers the chance to unwind with a drink before their flight, or complete some last minute work items. BLADE has stated that prices of flights between LAX, DTLA, the West Side, and Burbank will start at $195.

Many argue that BLADE is piloting UAM operations of tomorrow with a platform that’s functional today by utilizing the most technologically advanced, safest certified rotorcraft on the market. When asked about the transition between helicopters and eVTOLs (electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft) as the main aircraft that serve currently heli-dominated routes, CEO Rob Wiesenthal stated “We don’t see the transition as a step function change; there will be opportunities for customers on a limited basis to try eVTOL aircraft when they’re available, certified, and have a track record of performance – but even then the integration into BLADE’s accessible fleet will be measured”

Shivani Parikh also commented on potential future expansion plans for BLADE in SoCal to include Santa Barbara, San Diego, and desert cities on an “as demanded basis”. The general approach, commented Parikh, was utilize early adopting customer feedback campaigns that help to identify the areas for the largest benefit and refinement of BLADE’s current offerings.

Why it’s important: BLADE UAM has few competitors in Southern California – in fact, the closest entity to a competitor currently are helicopter charter services that require booking and coordination days, if not weeks in advance. With BLADE’s UAM platform, customers can book and be airborne in minutes, directly on the way to their destination. In cities like New York and Los Angeles alike, the last few miles of the journey can make all the difference in time savings, and BLADE’s expansion in SoCal could likely be the beginning of many more commercial UAM operations in Los Angeles.

BLADE and NYU Langone Partner for Emergency Organ Transfers via Helicopter

02 October 2019 || 4 min read

The initiative will support critical organ movement for patients in need of transplants. BLADE Urban Air Mobility, Inc. (“BLADE”) has announced a partnership with NYU Langone Health to arrange on-demand helicopter transportation for NYU Langone Transplant Institute teams and donor organs. Expeditious transportation is critical for organ transplantation; for every hour an organ is outside of the human body, surgical...

BLADE and NYU Langone Partner for Emergency Organ Transfers via Helicopter

02 October 2019 || 4 min read

The initiative will support critical organ movement for patients in need of transplants.

BLADE Urban Air Mobility, Inc. (“BLADE”) has announced a partnership with NYU Langone Health to arrange on-demand helicopter transportation for NYU Langone Transplant Institute teams and donor organs. Expeditious transportation is critical for organ transplantation; for every hour an organ is outside of the human body, surgical success rates decrease materially.

As the “largest arranger of civilian helicopter travel in the United States,” BLADE is well-poised to make available its network of terminals, which currently span four states. The company has already implemented an expansive service in New York City, including continuous flight service between Manhattan and all NYC area airports.

“BLADE has made its dedicated aircraft and private network of terminals in four states available to aid NYU Langone transplant physicians with the lifesaving work they do every day,” said Rob Wiesenthal, BLADE’s CEO. “As the largest arranger of civilian helicopter travel in the United States, our platform is ideally suited to provide NYU Langone with

BLADE CEO Rob Weisenthal emphasized that NYU Langone will be provided “24/7 access to safety-vetted rotorcraft with as little as 20 minutes notice.” BLADE’s fleet of Bell 407 and Sikorsky S-76 helicopters are predicted to reduce the travel times of organs between NYU Langone and common donor hospitals by up to three hours. As an added benefit, these organ transplantation missions will be more cost effective than the previous, slower methods, while also improving outcomes for New York City transplant patients.

Not only is this application of aerial mobility technologies invaluable for the patients and institutes it serves, but it also provides BLADE and other companies with a way to begin standing up and improving upon operations. Vermont-based eVTOL manufacturer, Beta Technologies, similarly found this to be a potential path for developmental growth, and has been working toward a goal of transporting organs with United Therapeutics. The biotechnology firm provided an undisclosed amount of funding to Beta for the purpose of designing and testing its Ava XC aircraft, which has already undergone hundreds of flights.

Why it’s important: As part of its Urban Air Mobility Initiative, 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). As seen by the focus placed by both Beta Technologies and BLADE, organ transplantation services are a feasible, humanitarian application of aerial mobility. It has great potential to open doors as the industry expands to operate and become regulated in services such as civilian transport and commercial logistics.

The Newest Urban Air Mobility Initiative from BLADE

11 May 2019 || 3 min read

BLADE’S NEW HELICOPTER SERVICE NOW INCLUDES ALL NYC AREA AIRPORTS On May 8th, BLADE Urban Air Mobility announced that it has expanded its service to include LaGuardia Airport and Newark Liberty International Airport. This service expansion is furthering the company’s mission of enhancing the reach and affordability of urban aviation. “Since expanding our continuous flight service between Manhattan and JFK, we...

The Newest Urban Air Mobility Initiative from BLADE

11 May 2019 || 3 min read

BLADE’S NEW HELICOPTER SERVICE NOW INCLUDES ALL NYC AREA AIRPORTS

On May 8th, BLADE Urban Air Mobility announced that it has expanded its service to include LaGuardia Airport and Newark Liberty International Airport. This service expansion is furthering 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.”

Two new routes will be added to the New York City suite: one between LaGuardia and Manhattan’s Downtown/Wall Street Heliport, and another between 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.

The cost of for one of these flights is $195 per seat, which BLADE claims to consistently beat the price of app-based SUV’s during rush hour. BLADE also offers complimentary ground transportation between the airport helipad and all commercial airline terminals.

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.

BLADE’s Urban Air Mobility Initiative

BLADE rebranded to BLADE Urban Air Mobility, Inc earlier this year to align with the future of inter and intra-city transportation. BLADE is a digitally-powered aviation company and the largest arranger of helicopter flights for civilian travel in the United States. 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.

Why it’s important: BLADE’s public adjustment of their name and route mechanics further support their mission of enhancing the reach and affordability of urban aviation. With continuous flights from Manhattan to New York City Area airports, BLADE is operating as a commercial eVTOL operator would, save for the aircraft themselves. Additionally, BLADE’s partnerships and investments in the eVTOL space should allow the company to integrate new aircraft as they become certified and available.

Source // BLADE UAM Press Release

BLADE Now Offers Continuous Flights Between Manhattan and JFK

25 March 2019 || 3 min read

BLADE’s mobility services have expanded further, and now include continuous flights between Manhattan and JFK every weekday from 7:00am to 7:00pm. Flights will operate between BLADE Lounge West at the West 30th Street Heliport and JFK airport, with ground transportation included between the JFK helipad and all commercial terminals. The flight will cost $195, about the same as an SUV...

BLADE Now Offers Continuous Flights Between Manhattan and JFK

25 March 2019 || 3 min read

BLADE’s mobility services have expanded further, and now include continuous flights between Manhattan and JFK every weekday from 7:00am to 7:00pm.

“The heavy traffic between urban centers and area airports is a key point of friction in city life,” said Rob Wiesenthal, CEO of BLADE, “our UAM service begins to remedy this issue at a reasonable price today, while paving the way for even more affordable solutions tomorrow driven by our partners’ next-generation electric aircraft.”

Flights will operate between BLADE Lounge West at the West 30th Street Heliport and JFK airport, with ground transportation included between the JFK helipad and all commercial terminals. The flight will cost $195, about the same as an SUV service during rush hour. Additionally, BLADE and American Airlines announced that fliers on an American flight at JFK can be transferred from plane to helicopter using American’s Five Star Service. At JFK, hotel guests at the upcoming TWA Hotel will be able to instantly arrange for BLADE flights to Manhattan or any other destination covered by BLADE.

“Helicopter commuting is becoming essential in cities where traffic congestion is a significant problem and BELL is providing cost-efficient and reliable aircraft as a solution,” said Susan Griffin, executive vice president, Commercial Business, BELL. “With the rapid evolution of customers utilizing our aircraft for commuting services, BELL continues to invest in product enhancements and new technologies to shape the future of air transportation.”

BLADE’s new service, operated by Zip Aviation, will be using the BELL 206L -4 helicopter, provided for by the partnership with Bell that BLADE entered in early 2018. In early February, BLADE entered into a similar arrangement with Sikorsky’s Associated Aircraft Group, a division of Lockheed Martin, where AAG is providing a Sikorsky S-76 C+ for UAM in the New York area starting in Spring 2019.

BLADE will continue working with partners such Airbus, Bell, and Lockheed Martin to eventually transition from conventional helicopters to eVTOL aircraft. The switch to eVTOL aircraft is projected to bring reduced environmental footprints, as well as lower operating costs and reduced noise. This should provide BLADE fliers with more flexible landing zone options, as well as reduced prices.

Why it’s important: By expanding their on-demand urban mobility pilot program and the associated infrastructure and operations to Manhattan, BLADE initiates the largest Urban Air Mobility initiative in the United States and will advance BLADE’s mission of continuing to reduce the cost of urban aviation. Additionally, BLADE’s partnerships with companies such as BELL and Sikorsky will allow them to stay updated with the latest technological developments and preparations to integrate eVTOL aircraft in their flight operations in the future.

Source // BLADE Press Release

BLADE Tests Urban Air Mobility Pilot Program in The Bay Area

05 March 2019 || 5 min read

BLADE’s on-demand flights are now operating in San Francisco and Silicon Valley for a select few individuals. Here’s how their program and others could potentially shape the future of urban air mobility. BLADE is working to gain an edge in the world of urban air mobility. As one of the few services that is already providing on-demand urban aviation, BLADE...

BLADE Tests Urban Air Mobility Pilot Program in The Bay Area

05 March 2019 || 5 min read

BLADE’s on-demand flights are now operating in San Francisco and Silicon Valley for a select few individuals. Here’s how their program and others could potentially shape the future of urban air mobility.

BLADE has commenced on-demand flight operations in San Francisco and surrounding areas.

BLADE is working to gain an edge in the world of urban air mobility. As one of the few services that is already providing on-demand urban aviation, BLADE has expanded its urban aviation operations beyond New York and Southern California to a select group of individuals in Silicon Valley and San Francisco. BLADE is an on-demand transportation company that operates helicopters, private jets, and seaplanes that are booked via their mobile app and web platforms.

BLADE’s mobility services in The Bay Area are already being shared by users granted early access to BLADE’s ‘urban air mobility initiative’.

BLADE is testing on-demand flights in The Bay Area, connecting SFO, Oakland International, Palo Alto, San Jose, and other notable destinations, such as Monterey and Napa Valley. BLADE has dubbed its new program the ‘urban air mobility initiative’ and has pre-launched by granting codes to 200 select individuals. Using a special code, these users can unlock a special portion of the BLADE app that allows them to book on-demand transport in The Bay Area. For now, the user pool is limited to just a few additional persons: only 3 referrals for each of the 200 individuals that have been invited exist, which make this program an exclusive pilot of BLADE’s operations in Northern California. Airbus’ VOOM program is also based in The Bay Area, operating out of Mexico City, adding to the list of ongoing transportation initiatives based in Silicon Valley.

An urban air mobility enthusiast noticed this BLADE stand at an airport in the bay area and shared on Instagram.

BLADE’s expansion into San Francisco and Silicon Valley represents a major step forward for BLADE and the urban air mobility industry. The bay area serves as headquarters for many eVTOL and UAM companies, including KittyHawk, Uber Elevate, and Hoversurf. By establishing routes and landing ports with their existing on-demand mobility services, BLADE is paving their path forward for future eVTOL flights that are coming in the future. BLADE recently raised $38 million from Airbus and investing firm Colony Northstar to continue developing UAM infrastructure in major cities.

BLADE also recently secured an agreement with Sikorsky (and parent company Lockheed Martin) for access to AAG’s full fleet of Sikorsky helicopters for use in the New York City metro area. These helicopters, in addition to an S-76C+ helicopter that leverages the latest in Sikorsky’s cockpit automation technology, will be maintained and operated by Sikorsky pilots and technicians. Sikorsky is no stranger to the UAM industry, and has a number of projects in development that may, in the future, be adopted by future mobility services such as BLADE once their technology readiness has matured.

“Manhattan already is the largest short-distance aviation market in the world. The influx of record new construction coupled with unprecedented ground traffic will only serve to heighten the value proposition of helicopter travel,” said Rob Wiesenthal, BLADE’s CEO. “By combining Sikorsky’s decades of vertical flight expertise and AAG’s thousands of flight hours with BLADE’s technology, dedicated lounge infrastructure and customer experience, we have created a fully integrated urban air mobility platform in the market where it is needed and valued the most.” // Lockheed Martin Press Release

Why it’s important: By establishing an on-demand urban mobility pilot program and the associated infrastructure and operations in San Francisco and Silicon Valley, BLADE has laid the foundation to test its involvement in the future of mobility in The Bay Area. Additionally, BLADE’s partnerships with companies such as Sikorsky will keep them abreast with the latest technological developments and opportunities for incorporation of more advanced transportation systems in their flight operations in the future.

BLADE could not be reached for comment.

BLADE Helicopter Service Extends to Mumbai with Planned eVTOL Services

18 December 2018 || 3 min read

Along with Uber Elevate, BLADE is planning on entering the Indian air taxi market. Blade has already garnered an impressive amount of its success with its helicopter air taxi services in the US, offering on-demand flights in Los Angeles, Miami, New York, and more. With the new extension to Mumbai (planned launch in March), Blade CEO Rob Wiesthenthal believes a...

BLADE Helicopter Service Extends to Mumbai with Planned eVTOL Services

18 December 2018 || 3 min read

Along with Uber Elevate, BLADE is planning on entering the Indian air taxi market.

Blade has already garnered an impressive amount of its success with its helicopter air taxi services in the US, offering on-demand flights in Los Angeles, Miami, New York, and more. With the new extension to Mumbai (planned launch in March), Blade CEO Rob Wiesthenthal believes a single air taxi route in India may have the potential to financially outperform Blade’s U.S operations.

A Blade Aviation waiting lounge in New York City

Blade has repeatedly expressed interest in developing eVTOL services in the future, claiming that part of the intent of its India extension is to build the foundation for those services. The company recently raised $38 million from Airbus and investing firm Colony Northstar, part of which Blade plans to use to build air taxi landing pads in major cities for the future of on-demand urban aviation. Blade follows an asset-light model by not owning any of its own helicopters, positioning it well as a potential future eVTOL operator.

Blade CEO Rob Wiesenthal

In India, Blade is collaborating with local venture capital firm Hunch Ventures to create the new company ‘Blade India’. With this effort it joins Uber Elevate, which has named India as one of its five future international launch locations, and independent companies like eVTOL Aviation India. Countries like India, Brazil, Mexico, Columbia and Japan are also being considered by other eVTOL developers owing to the ground traffic congestion problem in many of these countries.

Blade Aviation and Uber Elevate enter India air taxi market

Uber Elevate’s potential India route

Why its important: With its extension to India, BLADE appears to be further readying itself for the future or Urban air taxis. Blade is one of the most well positioned-companies to launch eVTOL air taxi services in the near future due to its experience an innovations in helicopter services. Blade is among other companies eyeing India for eVTOL air taxis along with Uber Elevate and eVTOL Aviation India.

Samson Sky Switchblade

25 July 2018 || < 1 min read

Quick SummaryThe Samson Sky Switchblade is federally classified as a motorcycle - but it also flies. With room for a pilot plus one passenger, the Switchblade can both drive on roads and use runways to take off and land, using wings the fold out from storage underneath its body. The Switchblade prototype was featured at EAA AirVenture 2019, and has a...

Samson Sky Switchblade

25 July 2018 || < 1 min read

Quick Summary

The Samson Sky Switchblade is federally classified as a motorcycle - but it also flies. With room for a pilot plus one passenger, the Switchblade can both drive on roads and use runways to take off and land, using wings the fold out from storage underneath its body. The Switchblade prototype was featured at EAA AirVenture 2019, and has a target price of around $120,000.

Samson Sky

Stage of Development

Preliminary Design

Prototype Build

Flight Testing

Certification

Commercially Operating

Technical Details

Aircraft Type: Intercity Roadable Aircraft

Powerplant: Samson 190 hp liquid-cooled V4

Range: 450 miles / 724 km

Top Speed: 200 mph / 322 kph

Propeller Configuration: A single rear ducted fan for flight

Passenger/Payload Capacity: 2 passengers, 544 lb / 247 kg

Autonomy Level: Piloted

Wingspan/Dimensions: 26.9 ft (8.2 m) // 20.2 ft (6.2 m) x 5.1 ft (1.5 m)

Additional Information

Estimated GTOW	1,750 LB (Gross Take-off Weight)
Length	16.8 ft / 5.1 m (ground mode)
Length	20.2 ft / 6.2 m (flight mode)
Vehicle Width	6 ft / 1.8 m
Height	5.1 ft / 1.5 m
Wing span	26.9 ft / 8.2 m
Wing loading	26 psf / 127 kg/m2
Fuel capacity	30 gal. including reserve / 114 L

Performance

Maximum Airspeed	200 mph / 322 kph
Cruise speed	160 mph / 257 kph
Max driving speed	125+ mph / 201+ kph
Range	450 miles / 724 km
Fuel capacity	30 gal / 114 L
Take-off distance	1,100 ft / 335 m
Landing distance	1,600 ft / 488 m
Stall speed (with flaps)	67 mph / 108 kph
Max Takeoff Weight	1,750 lb / 794 kg
Payload	544 lb / 247 kg

Mileage

Fuel economy on ground	~40 mpg / 17 km/L
Fuel economy in air	~9g/hr / 34 L/hr
Type Fuel	91 Octane Auto

Engine

Samson 190hp liquid cooled V4

Our Take on Samson Sky

The Switchblade fits into a fairly unique class of 'road-able' aircraft, and is one of very few to make it this far towards production and sales. (Others include Pal-V, Aeromobil, and the Terrafugia Transition). Samson Sky's unveiling of its prototype at Air Venture 2019 was the company's largest publicity attraction to date, and has gained them a large amount of traction in terms of public awareness of the company. The target price of $120,000 for the vehicle is expensive, but comparable to that of a well-equipped general aviation aircraft, making it competitive for private ownership. Keep track of flight testing progress as Samson Sky is already taking pre-orders for the Switchblade.

References

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Quick Summary

Stage of Development

Technical Details

Additional Information

Performance

Mileage

Engine

Our Take on Samson Sky

References

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