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By: Daisy Fay
Blade, a helicopter transport company known for its high-end services, is introducing a commuter option for residents of Long Island and New Jersey.
According to the NY Post, this new service offers a quick and luxurious way to bypass the region’s notorious traffic—though at a cost of $95 per flight.
Launched on Friday, the service requires an annual commuter pass priced at $195, which provides access to $95-per-flight helicopter rides. Passengers are flown to and from the heliport located at 30th Street and 12th Avenue near Hudson Yards in Manhattan.
Operating Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., the service allows commuters to park at either John F. Kennedy International Airport or Newark Liberty International Airport before taking a brief five-minute flight into the city.
The NY Post reports that this initiative is part of Blade’s broader strategy to cater to affluent professionals seeking faster and more efficient ways to navigate their daily commutes.
While $95 per trip may seem steep, Blade argues that the cost is comparable to what many suburban commuters already pay when factoring in tolls, congestion pricing, parking fees, and city taxes. The short flight times also significantly cut down the grind of long commutes. For example, a standard Long Island Rail Road trip from Lynbrook to Manhattan takes about 35 minutes, with an unlimited monthly pass costing $253. Similarly, New Jersey Transit monthly passes range from $77 for Secaucus to $304 for Port Jervis, depending on the distance.
New York City’s recently implemented congestion pricing scheme adds another layer of expense for drivers entering Manhattan below 60th Street, with fees starting at $9 for E-ZPass users.
“As ground traffic continues to grow and the transition to quiet, emission-free aircraft begins, we want to introduce Park & Fly options for commuters so they can experience the benefits of urban air mobility today,” a Blade spokesperson told the NY Post. The company also noted that advancements in electric aircraft technology are paving the way for quieter and more environmentally friendly air travel, which Blade is actively pursuing.
Blade has established itself as the primary provider of scheduled commuter flights around Manhattan, including airport transfers and routes to destinations like the Hamptons. While other companies, such as HeliNY and Manhattan Helicopters, primarily focus on private charters and sightseeing tours, Blade has carved a niche in commuter services.
Looking ahead, Blade is investing heavily in electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) technology to transition to a fully electric fleet. With plans to expand its urban air mobility network, the company is exploring new commuter routes and developing additional landing zones to enhance accessibility.
As the demand for urban air travel grows, Blade is positioning itself as a leader in the emerging market, which also includes competitors like Joby Aviation and Archer Aviation. These companies aim to revolutionize urban transportation with efficient, quiet, and sustainable eVTOL aircraft.
With this new commuter service, Blade is poised to reshape the daily travel experience for those willing to pay for speed, convenience, and a touch of luxury
