I’m a huge Blade fan. As a New Yorker, the addition of a $195 (or $145 with a promo code) option of taking a gorgeous 7 minute helicopter ride from Manhattan to New York’s JFK, LaGuardia or Newark Airports is a triumph.
It’s allowed me extra hours for work, friends and family, not to mention some of the best sunset pictures imaginable. The New York skyline and sunset is kind of a big deal.
And now, Blade is flying further East. In fact, it’s crossed the pond over to Europe. In a letter to subscribers, Blade announced that it’s officially acquired three urban mobility companies in Europe. The acquisitions make Blade the largest helicopter passenger service globally.
Not resting on the news, Blade is launching flights with immediate effect, starting up service between Nice and Monaco for the Grand Prix, all for $220 per passenger. With hope, it’s not the only route launch on the way.
Blade Launches in Europe
Would I love Blade helicopter flights between Central London and Heathrow? Yes, yes I very much would. Blade has significantly transformed the airport commute experience in New York and LA, and Europe appears next.
Time is money, and money is time, and that’s where Blade shines.
Helicopters are the today, but electric vehicles — and eventually, autonomous electric air vehicles — are the big future. Climbing over traffic is a huge selling point, and at the democratized prices blade Brings, more people can enjoy.
In New York, Uber Black rides to the airport are often well over $100 during rush hour, so Blade can price out cheaper, even falling within allowed corporate spend limits.
“For the first time ever, BLADE is providing flights between Nice and Monaco, flying directly over the Mediterranean coastline en route to the Monaco Grand Prix. Swap the 3+ hour race week drive for a 7-minute panoramic and breathtaking flight over the unmatched vistas of the French Riviera.”
Blade
With disjointed operations and relatively low marketing reach, helicopter and private jet access in Europe hasn’t been nearly as prolific as operations in the US. With Blade taking over boutique firms, with reach to a significant customer base, that may get a lot better.
There are so many precarious routes and mobility commutes in Europe ripe for a new and disruptive option. Now, it’s time to see if Blade can succeed.
How would they do Heathrow to London?
Blade intentionally flies over water. That’s likely how Nice to Monaco works.
What are the luggage limits?
My first, & certainly last, experience w/ Blade (In NY) has been horrendous. Except for a couple of folks on the lower end of the food chain w/ no authority, the company has 0 sense of customer service. They don’t respond, are arrogant, & down right despicable. In short, they’ve exhibited pure corporate greed & disdain for a customer. I’m in the process of taking them to small claims court. Sorry for a negative comment, but this has been my experience.
It was no knock intended on you if you did. I’d still love ya, ha.
Exciting news for Blade! It’s fascinating to see how they’re expanding into Europe—can’t wait to see how this transforms urban travel across the continent. Do you think they’ll bring the same efficiency and pricing model that they’ve established in the U.S.?