Commercial Aviation
Blade launches helicopter commuter service ahead of eVTOL rollout
Blade introduces a fast helicopter commuter route connecting Manhattan to Westchester, setting the stage for Joby Aviation’s electric eVTOL aircraft.
The daily commute between New York City and its surrounding suburbs has long been a test of endurance, with rush hour traffic often stretching a relatively short distance into a 90-minute ordeal. In response to this persistent challenge, Blade Urban Air Mobility, a division of Joby Aviation, has announced a new weekday helicopter service connecting Manhattan and Westchester County. This initiative aims to slash travel time to a mere 12 minutes, offering a dramatic alternative for commuters navigating the city’s congested arteries.
Launching on December 1, 2025, the service is a direct reaction to evolving work patterns. With many professionals returning to a five-day office week, traffic levels have not only returned to but now exceed pre-pandemic figures. Blade’s new route is positioned as a premium, time-saving solution for residents in affluent suburbs like Greenwich, Scarsdale, and Rye, who face some of the most grueling daily journeys into the city.
However, this announcement represents more than just a new helicopter route. It serves as a strategic pilot program, laying the essential groundwork for a much larger ambition: the transition to a fleet of all-electric, vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft developed by its parent company, Joby Aviation. This initiative is a tangible first step in the broader Urban Air Mobility (UAM) movement, which seeks to reshape city transportation by taking it to the skies in a quieter, more sustainable fashion.
The new service is designed for efficiency and convenience, directly targeting the pain points of the modern commuter. By establishing a reliable, high-speed connection, Blade is not just selling a flight; it’s offering a significant return on a professional’s most valuable asset: time. The program is a calculated move to build a loyal customer base that can be seamlessly transitioned to a new generation of aircraft in the coming years.
Flights will operate on weekdays during morning and evening peak hours, connecting the Westchester County Airport (HPN) with the BLADE Lounge West at the West 30th Street Heliport in Manhattan. This route provides a critical link between residential hubs and the heart of the city’s business district. The 12-minute flight time presents a stark contrast to the unpredictable and often frustrating experience of driving or taking the train.
Pricing for the service is structured to accommodate both regular commuters and occasional travelers. A single seat is priced at $225, while frequent flyers can purchase a Blade Commuter Pass, bringing the cost down to $125 per flight. These passes are available in various tiers, such as weekly or monthly, providing flexibility for different commuting schedules. To generate early interest, Blade is also offering a special preview of the service on Black Friday, November 28, 2025, in a partnership with The Shops and Restaurants at Hudson Yards.
This strategic launch is built on Blade’s established “asset-light” business model. The company does not own the aircraft it operates. Instead, it partners with a network of third-party operators, allowing for greater scalability and adaptability. This model is particularly well-suited for the planned transition to eVTOLs, as it enables the company to integrate new aircraft technology into its existing network without the massive capital expenditure of owning a fleet outright.
The timing of this service is no coincidence. As Blade CEO Rob Wiesenthal noted, “With the return of five day work weeks and traffic between the Greater New York City Suburbs and Manhattan now exceeding pre-pandemic levels, it was time for Blade to service this demand.” The route is a direct market response to a clear and growing need for more efficient transportation options in one of the world’s most congested urban areas. While the service offers a compelling solution, it also enters a complex public space. Helicopter noise has become a significant quality-of-life issue for many New York City residents, with complaints to the city’s 311 hotline rising sharply in recent years. This existing tension underscores the importance of the long-term vision. The eventual switch from conventional helicopters to Joby’s eVTOL aircraft, which are designed to be 100 times quieter, is a critical component of the strategy for sustainable urban air travel.
By launching with helicopters, Blade can immediately address market demand while simultaneously gathering invaluable operational data. This includes refining flight paths, managing passenger logistics, and understanding commuter demand patterns. Every flight serves as a data point that will inform and de-risk the eventual, larger-scale rollout of a quiet, zero-emission air taxi service.
This commuter route is a foundational piece of a much larger puzzle. It is a real-world testbed for the emerging field of Urban Air Mobility (UAM), an industry focused on developing safe, efficient, and sustainable air transportation systems for metropolitan areas. The data and experience gained from the Westchester-Manhattan route will be instrumental in shaping the future of this nascent industry.
“While Blade has proven the viability of airport routes in the U.S. and Europe, commuter routes will become even more important as new landing zones, exclusive to electric aircraft, become available.” – Rob Wiesenthal, CEO of Blade
The ultimate goal is to replace the helicopters on this route with Joby Aviation’s all-electric aircraft. Joby’s eVTOL is a four-passenger vehicle engineered for speed, silence, and sustainability. Powered by batteries, it produces zero operational emissions and boasts a top speed of 200 mph and a range of 100 miles. Crucially, its acoustic footprint is designed to be radically smaller than that of a conventional helicopter, allowing it to operate in urban environments with minimal disturbance.
This transition is not a distant dream but a process actively underway. Joby Aviation is in the advanced stages of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certification process, a rigorous and multi-year undertaking required for any new aircraft to enter commercial service. The company recently reached a critical milestone, beginning power-on testing of its first FAA-conforming aircraft. This step moves Joby into the final phase of the Type Inspection Authorization (TIA) process.
The timeline for this transition is becoming clearer. Joby pilots are expected to begin “for credit” flight testing with the FAA later in 2025, with FAA pilots scheduled to take the controls in 2026. The data gathered from these tests will be the basis for the final Type Certification, which is the key that unlocks commercial operations. The Blade commuter service will ensure that once certification is granted, a proven operational framework and an established customer base are already in place.
The Blade and Joby initiative is part of a global movement. The Urban Air Mobility market was valued at approximately $3.6 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow to over $14.68 billion by 2032. This growth is fueled by increasing urban congestion, technological advancements in electric propulsion, and a growing demand for cleaner transportation alternatives. The global market for eVTOL aircraft alone is projected to expand significantly in the coming decade.
However, the entire industry’s future hinges on navigating the complex regulatory landscape. The FAA’s certification process is designed to ensure that any new form of air travel meets the highest safety standards. The progress made by companies like Joby is being watched closely, as it will set precedents for the entire eVTOL sector. Successfully certifying a novel aircraft design is a monumental task that requires years of testing, documentation, and collaboration with regulators. The success of this pilot program, therefore, carries implications far beyond New York. It will serve as a case study for how to integrate UAM services into existing urban transportation networks. It demonstrates a pragmatic, two-phase approach: using existing, certified technology to build the market today while simultaneously working through the regulatory process to deploy the technology of tomorrow.
Blade’s new commuter service is a story of both immediate problem-solving and long-term vision. With its helicopter flights, it offers a tangible solution to the gridlock plaguing New York’s commuters right now. At the same time, it acts as a crucial incubator for the future of urban transportation, methodically building the operational and commercial foundation for Joby’s quiet, all-electric air taxi network.
This initiative represents a measured but significant step toward a new era of urban mobility. It bridges the gap between the transportation infrastructure of today and the cleaner, faster, and more integrated systems of tomorrow. As Joby moves closer to FAA certification, this humble commuter route may well be remembered as the blueprint for how cities around the world began to reclaim their skies.
Question: How long is the flight and how much does it cost? Question: When does the new commuter service start? Question: Why is Blade using helicopters if the goal is to use electric aircraft? Question: What is an eVTOL aircraft?
Blade’s New Commuter Service: A Helicopters Prelude to an eVTOL Future
The Here and Now: A Solution for the Modern Commuter
Service Details and Logistics
Addressing a Real-World Problem
The Horizon: Paving the Way for Urban Air Mobility
The eVTOL Transition Plan
The Broader UAM Market and Regulatory Hurdles
A Two-Phase Revolution in Urban Travel
FAQ
Answer: The flight between Westchester and Manhattan takes approximately 12 minutes. The cost is $225 for a single ticket, or as low as $125 per flight with the purchase of a Blade Commuter Pass.
Answer: The service is scheduled to begin on Monday, December 1, 2025.
Answer: The helicopter service is a pilot program. It allows Blade to establish the route, gather operational data, and build a customer base while its parent company, Joby Aviation, completes the FAA certification process for its all-electric eVTOL aircraft.
Answer: eVTOL stands for electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing. It is a type of aircraft that uses electric power to take off, hover, and land vertically, like a helicopter, but is designed to be significantly quieter and produce zero operational emissions, functioning as an “air taxi.”
Sources
Photo Credit: Joby Aviation
Route Development
Air India and Saudia Sign Codeshare to Boost India-Saudi Connectivity
Air India and Saudia finalize a codeshare agreement to enhance direct connectivity and streamline travel between India and Saudi Arabia starting February 2026.
Air India and Saudia (Saudi Arabian Airlines) have officially signed a codeshare agreement designed to enhance connectivity between India and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The agreement, signed on January 15, 2026, is set to become effective in February 2026. This partnership aims to streamline travel for passengers by integrating flight schedules and offering seamless transfers across both carriers’ networks.
According to the joint announcement, the collaboration will focus on capturing the growing “point-to-point” traffic between the two nations, serving both the massive Indian diaspora in the Kingdom and the rising number of tourists visiting Saudi Arabia. By aligning their networks, the two national carriers intend to offer a competitive alternative to indirect routes currently dominated by regional hubs.
The core of the agreement allows passengers to book flights across both airlines on a single itinerary. This integration includes through-check-in for passengers and baggage to their final destination, eliminating the need to re-check luggage during transit.
Under the terms of the codeshare, Air India will place its “AI” code on Saudia flights departing from Jeddah and Riyadh. This provides Air India customers with access to several domestic destinations within Saudi Arabia, including:
Conversely, Saudia will place its “SV” code on Air India flights operating from Delhi and Mumbai. This opens up connectivity for Saudia passengers to a wide array of Indian cities, such as Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Kochi, Kolkata, and Lucknow, among others.
Both airlines have framed this partnership as a critical step in their respective transformation strategies. Campbell Wilson, CEO of Air India, emphasized the importance of the Saudi market.
“Saudi Arabia is one of our most important markets… facilitating easier travel for the diaspora and supporting the Kingdom’s tourism goals.”
— Campbell Wilson, CEO of Air India
similarly, Saudia Director General Ibrahim Al-Omar described the deal as a strategic move to foster stronger bilateral ties, leveraging recent visa reforms that have made travel more accessible for Indian citizens.
The agreement aligns closely with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which targets attracting 150 million tourists annually by the end of the decade. India represents a top source market for this initiative. By opening access to secondary Saudi cities like AlUla (via Medina) and Abha, the carriers hope to distribute tourism traffic beyond the traditional hubs of Riyadh and Jeddah. Furthermore, the partnership directly addresses the needs of the “Visiting Friends and Relatives” (VFR) segment. With over 2.6 million Indians residing in Saudi Arabia, the largest expatriate community in the Kingdom, there is substantial demand for reliable connectivity to Tier-2 and Tier-3 Indian cities.
Countering the Super-Connectors
We view this agreement as a necessary consolidation of strength between the two national carriers to reclaim market share from Gulf “super-connectors” like Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Etihad. Historically, a significant portion of traffic between India and Saudi Arabia has flowed through hubs in Dubai and Doha. By coordinating schedules and offering direct “point-to-point” options, Air India and Saudia are positioning themselves to capture higher-yield traffic that prefers non-stop convenience over transit hubs.
Navigating Competitive Pressures
The deal also serves as a defensive measure against aggressive low-cost expansion. IndiGo has recently intensified its operations, launching daily flights from major Indian hubs to Jeddah. As a price leader, IndiGo dominates the cost-conscious labor traffic segment. By partnering, Air India and Saudia can better compete for premium and business travelers while utilizing their bilateral capacity entitlements, capped at approximately 50,000 seats per week since 2019, more efficiently without immediate fleet expansion.
Air India and Saudia Finalize Strategic Codeshare Pact to Boost Connectivity
Operational Details and Route Expansion
Expanded Network Access
Executive Commentary
Strategic Context: Vision 2030 and Diaspora Demand
AirPro News analysis
Sources
Photo Credit: Air India
Route Development
Changi Airport Launches Autonomous Baggage Tractors to Enhance Operations
Changi Airport deploys autonomous baggage tractors by Uisee to improve efficiency and address labor shortages, expanding fleet to 24 by 2027.
This article is based on an official press release from Changi Airport Group.
Changi Airport Group (CAG) has officially launched its first fleet of fully driverless autonomous baggage tractors, marking a significant step in the aviation hub’s transition toward automated airside operations. The initiative, announced on January 20, 2026, aims to address persistent manpower shortages while enhancing operational efficiency across the airport’s terminals.
The initial deployment features two autonomous units operating on a live 7-kilometer route between Terminal 1 (T1) and Terminal 4 (T4). According to the announcement, this specific route was selected because the baggage handling systems of the two terminals are not physically connected, requiring external transport solutions. The launch follows nearly a year of rigorous testing, during which the vehicles completed over 5,000 trips and covered 20,000 kilometers without a single safety incident.
This development is part of Changi’s broader “Airside of the Future” roadmap, a strategic effort to redesign airport jobs and maintain service levels despite a tightening labor market in Singapore.
The new fleet utilizes electric-blue autonomous tractors manufactured by Uisee, a Chinese autonomous driving technology company. These vehicles are designed to navigate the complex, dynamic environment of a live airfield without human intervention.
According to technical specifications released by CAG, the tractors are equipped with a suite of over 10 sensors, including LiDAR and visual cameras. This sensor array allows the vehicles to detect obstacles and navigate safely in various lighting and weather conditions, including heavy rain, a critical requirement for tropical operations.
In terms of capacity, each tractor can tow up to four baggage containers with a combined weight of approximately 10 tonnes. While the vehicles operate autonomously, they remain under the supervision of a “human-in-the-loop.” A remote operator monitors the fleet from a central control center and can intervene immediately if a tractor encounters a situation it cannot resolve independently.
“The autonomous baggage tractors can help us enhance worker safety, reduce worker workload and improve baggage handling productivity… [It] signals Singapore’s commitment to pioneering smart Airports technologies.”
Ms. Sun Xueling, Senior Minister of State for Transport
While the current rollout involves two units, CAG has outlined an aggressive expansion plan. Later in 2026, six additional autonomous tractors are scheduled for deployment at Terminal 2 (T2) to manage baggage transport between handling areas and aircraft stands. By 2027, the fleet is projected to grow to 24 vehicles.
The project is a collaborative effort between CAG and SATS, the airport’s primary ground handler, with co-funding provided by the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS). A primary driver for this automation is the need to redesign traditional airside roles. The shift allows existing tractor drivers to be upskilled into remote operator positions, moving staff from physically demanding outdoor environments to climate-controlled indoor monitoring roles.
Kuah Boon Kiam, Senior Vice President of Apron Services at SATS, emphasized the operational benefits in a statement:
“The collaboration will translate into more reliable baggage handling and smoother aircraft turnarounds, supporting on-time departures and a seamless airport experience.”
Kuah Boon Kiam, SVP Apron Services, SATS
The deployment at Changi Airport reflects a wider trend among major Asia-Pacific aviation hubs, where aging populations are forcing operators to accelerate automation. Unlike European or North American hubs often focused on cost reduction, airports like Changi and Hong Kong International Airport (which also utilizes Uisee technology) are automating primarily to secure operational continuity.
By 2027, CAG estimates the ratio of manually driven tractors to autonomous models will be approximately 75:1. While this indicates that human drivers will remain essential in the medium term, the infrastructure being built today, specifically the remote monitoring protocols, lays the groundwork for a predominantly autonomous airside environment in the next decade.
Who manufactures the autonomous tractors used at Changi? Are the tractors completely unsupervised? What is the timeline for expansion? Does this replace human jobs?
Singapore Changi Airport Launches Autonomous Baggage Fleet to Boost Airside Resilience
Operational Capabilities and Technology
Strategic Expansion and Workforce Impact
AirPro News Analysis: The Automation Imperative
Frequently Asked Questions
The tractors are manufactured by Uisee, a technology company specializing in autonomous driving solutions.
No. While they drive autonomously, they are monitored remotely by human operators who can take control if necessary.
Following the January 2026 launch, six more units will deploy at Terminal 2 later in the year, with a target of 24 operational units by 2027.
The initiative is framed as a job redesign. Existing drivers are being upskilled to become remote operators, addressing the difficulty of hiring for outdoor manual labor.
Sources
Photo Credit: Changi Airport Group
Commercial Aviation
Ethiopian Airlines Orders Nine Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners for Fleet Expansion
Ethiopian Airlines orders nine Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners and finalizes 11 737 MAX 8 jets to support fleet growth and route expansion under Vision 2035.
This article is based on an official press release from Boeing and Ethiopian Airlines.
On January 20, 2026, Boeing and Ethiopian Airlines announced a significant agreement for the purchase of nine 787-9 Dreamliners. In addition to the widebody acquisition, the carrier confirmed the finalization of an order for 11 737 MAX 8 jets, solidifying its commitment to modernizing both its long-haul and regional fleets.
According to the joint statement released by the manufacturer and the airline, this deal is a pivotal component of Ethiopian Airlines’ “Vision 2035” strategic roadmap. The plan aims to dramatically increase the carrier’s fleet size and route network over the next decade. By selecting the 787-9, the airline continues to operate the largest Dreamliner fleet in Africa, leveraging the aircraft’s efficiency to open new routes and increase frequency on existing long-haul services.
The agreement encompasses two distinct aircraft types, addressing different segments of the airline’s operational needs. While the 787-9s represent new growth, the 737 MAX portion of the announcement serves as the formal completion of a commitment originally made at the Dubai Airshow in November 2025.
The core of this announcement is the firm order for nine Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners. The 787-9 is the “stretched” variant of the Dreamliner family, offering greater passenger capacity and range compared to the 787-8, which Ethiopian Airlines was the first to introduce to the African continent.
Industry data indicates that deliveries for these widebody jets are scheduled to commence in 2031 and continue through 2033. The acquisition aligns with the carrier’s sustainability goals, as the new jets are expected to reduce fuel use and emissions by approximately 25% compared to the older models they will replace.
“This order underscores our continued commitment to enhancing our fleet with modern, fuel-efficient aircraft, thereby further strengthening our customer service. We will continue to acquire more aircraft and adopt the latest technologies as part of our strategic vision to advance sustainable aviation.”
, Mesfin Tasew, Group CEO of Ethiopian Airlines
Alongside the widebody order, the airline has finalized the purchase of 11 Boeing 737 MAX 8 jets. These aircraft are intended for short-to-medium haul routes and will complement the carrier’s existing narrowbody fleet. The 737 MAX 8 offers improved fuel efficiency and range over previous-generation 737s, supporting high-frequency regional connections across Africa and to the Middle East. This procurement is directly tied to Ethiopian Airlines’ ambitious “Vision 2035” growth strategy. Publicly available details regarding the roadmap outline a target of expanding the fleet from approximately 168 aircraft to over 270 units by 2035. Furthermore, the airline aims to grow its network to more than 200 international destinations, with a focus on markets in Australia, Southeast Asia, and the Americas.
To support this expansion, the airline is also investing in infrastructure, including the development of a new $6 billion mega-airport in Bishoftu. Once completed, this facility is projected to handle up to 100 million passengers annually, necessitating a substantial increase in fleet capacity.
Maintaining a Dual-Manufacturer Strategy
While this order highlights a strong partnership with Boeing, it is important to note that Ethiopian Airlines maintains a diversified fleet strategy. The carrier operates a significant number of Airbus A350-900s and has orders for the larger A350-1000. By balancing orders between major manufacturers, the airline mitigates delivery risks and maintains leverage in negotiations.
However, the continued investment in the 737 MAX and 787 families signals confidence in Boeing’s products despite historical challenges. For Boeing, securing this order from Africa’s largest and most profitable carrier is a crucial endorsement as it seeks to stabilize its production backlog and reaffirm its market position in 2026.
What is the estimated value of the deal? When will the new aircraft be delivered? Does this order replace existing aircraft?
Ethiopian Airlines Expands Long-Haul Capabilities with New Boeing Order
Deal Specifics and Fleet Modernization
Expanding the Widebody Fleet
Finalizing the Narrowbody Commitment
Strategic Context: Vision 2035
AirPro News Analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
While the exact purchase price is confidential and typically involves significant discounts, the deal is valued at approximately $3.9 billion at list prices. This estimate includes ~$2.6 billion for the nine 787-9s and ~$1.3 billion for the 11 737 MAX 8s.
Deliveries for the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners are scheduled to begin in 2031 and run through 2033. The 737 MAX 8 deliveries are part of an ongoing narrowbody expansion.
The new aircraft are intended for both growth and replacement. They will help phase out older models, such as the Boeing 767, while also providing the additional capacity needed to meet the targets set in the Vision 2035 roadmap.Sources
Photo Credit: Boeing
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