Blade Air Mobility, Inc., a global air mobility platform, and Skyports Infrastructure, a prominent provider of ground infrastructure for Advanced Air Mobility (AAM), are set to collaborate to launch a pilot program that will enhance travel between Manhattan and John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK).
This program marks a significant step toward expanding Blade’s by-the-seat helicopter transfer services and explores the future of Electric Vertical Aircraft (EVA) operations.
This collaboration introduces a new service that will cater to both passengers flying to and from JFK and those commuting between Manhattan, Long Island, and Queens for business or leisure. With operations scheduled to begin in April, this weekday service will run from 3pm to 7pm, providing convenient and faster transportation options across one of the world’s most congested urban landscapes.
Nathan Alexander, Vice President of Rotorcraft for Blade, stated, “EVA’s quiet and emission-free design will support the expansion of convenient landing zones while reducing commuter costs. From logistics, passenger experience, booking, ground crew, and even flight time, EVA services will be nearly identical to Blade’s current helicopter offerings, but using next-generation aircraft.”
The Downtown Manhattan Heliport, strategically located near Wall Street at the southern tip of Manhattan, serves as a key hub for short-distance aviation. It will be the focal point for this pilot program, designed to gather crucial data on consumer demand, passenger experience, and logistical considerations. These insights will play a pivotal role in advancing the launch of eVTOL operations at the heliport, a critical step in Blade’s and Skyports’ vision of replacing traditional helicopters with quiet, emission-free aircraft in the future.
The partnership between Blade and Skyports underscores a shared commitment to innovation in urban air mobility. It also follows Skyports’ recent appointment by the New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) to operate the Downtown Manhattan Heliport through its Downtown Skyport JV with Groupe ADP. This development highlights the growing momentum toward urban air mobility solutions in New York City, promising a sustainable and efficient way to alleviate traffic congestion and reduce travel times.
Addison Ferrell, Director of Infrastructure for Skyports, added, “Skyports and Blade are committed to transforming the Downtown Manhattan Heliport into one of the leading Electric Aircraft vertiports in the world. This alliance with Blade will serve to meaningfully accelerate this common mission to unlock the skies for eVTOL flights.”
For passengers, this service will offer by-the-seat flights starting at $195, with discounted fares available through the Blade Airport Pass or the Commuter Pass, priced at $95 for those using the service for daily work commutes. With this new initiative, Blade and Skyports are setting the stage for a transformative shift in how New Yorkers and visitors navigate the city, enhancing connectivity and paving the way for the next generation of urban transportation.
