Blade and Skyports Infrastructure launching pilot programme in Manhattan
Blade Air Mobility and Skyports Infrastructure are set to launch a pilot programme to gather data that will help support eVTOL operations from Downtown Manhattan Heliport.
The pilot expands Blade’s existing helicopter transfer service that connects the Downtown heliport and John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK). The new service will fly passengers transferring to and from flights at JFK, in addition to Long Island and Queens residents commuting to or from Manhattan.
Nathan Alexander, VP of Rotorcraft for Blade, said: “[The] quiet and emission-free design [of electric vertical aircraft] will support the expansion of convenient landing zones while reducing commuter costs. From logistics, passenger experience, booking, ground crew and even flight time, electric vertical aircraft services will be nearly identical to Blade’s current helicopter offerings, but using next-generation aircraft.”
The pilot programme aims to gather data on consumer demand, flier experience and logistics specific to the Manhattan-based heliport. The companies expect insights will help to accelerate and derisk the launch of eVTOL operations at the facility.
This service is scheduled to commence in April of this year. Flights will be offered on weekdays from 3:00pm to 7:00pm. Customers can purchase by-the-seat flights starting at $195, or from $95 with a Blade Airport Pass or a Commuter Pass for those flying between home and work.
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.”
Meanwhile, Skyports was recently appointed by the New York City Economic Development Corporation as the operator of the Downtown Manhattan Heliport via their Downtown Skyport joint venture with French airport operator Groupe ADP.
