Starting on Black Friday, commuters will have the option of traveling by helicopter from Westchester to Midtown Manhattan, as announced by helicopter dispatch platform Blade.
The flights are set to commence on November 28, connecting the Westchester County Airport to the Blade Lounge West helipad on West 30th Street.
This initial launch will focus on early morning departures to Manhattan and afternoon round-trip flights, catering to holiday shoppers rather than typical weekday commuters.
According to company officials, a full schedule will kick off the following Monday.
The 12-minute flights are designed to help business professionals return to their offices during the work week, operating during peak hours. Departures will happen every 30 minutes from Westchester between 7 a.m. and 9 a.m., with return flights from Manhattan to Westchester scheduled from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
This is a significant time reduction compared to the over hour-long car commute for Westchester residents traveling to the city.
This pilot program arises after previous attempts by local police to manage civilian helicopter use were unsuccessful. Blade assured that their new route would not exacerbate any noise concerns, as the helicopters primarily navigate over the Hudson River.
Blade already provides helicopter transfers from Manhattan to nearby airports and destinations like the Hamptons.
Prices for seats range from $125 for a one-way ticket with a Blade commuter pass to $225, varying with the booking option selected.
This new route will mark Blade’s first weekday commuter service in the New York metropolitan area.
There is potential for expansion into weekend services and cross-Hudson routes, depending on demand, according to the company.
Joby, the California-based airline that acquired Blade earlier this year, intends to integrate this service into its broader fleet of electric air taxis once it receives regulatory approval.
The launch is perceived as a new phase in the evolution of post-pandemic commuting patterns, with many companies anticipating a full return to the office five days a week.
“As the five-day work week resumes and traffic between New York’s suburbs and Manhattan surpasses pre-pandemic levels, it’s the right moment for Blade to capitalize on this need,” commented Blade CEO Rob Wiesenthal.
“While Blade has successfully operated airport routes in the U.S. and Europe, commuter routes will play an increasingly vital role as new landing zones for electric aircraft become available.”
