Delta is partnering with the on-demand helicopter startup Blade so that VIPs can avoid the airport

pulse

April 25, 2017 6:01 PM

Delta passengers can book a helicopter airport transfer through Blade.

Blade and Delta are forging a new partnership.

Blade, the on-demand "Uber for helicopters" startup, wants to help its customers avoid the airport completely.

The startup has launched a partnership with Delta Air Lines to streamline the transfer process for passengers flying in and out of New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport.

Delta passengers arriving to JFK, including from Los Angeles, San Francisco, and London, can arrange to be met on the jet bridge by Delta's Elite Services team, who will gather their checked luggage and bring them to an awaiting Blade car on the tarmac.

That car then brings them to a Blade helicopter, which will get them to Manhattan in less than 10 minutes. Blade operates three lounges in Manhattan, where passengers can arrange to be dropped off.

Passengers using Blade's services to depart out of JFK will go through an expedited TSA screening process before being transferred to their Delta flight. A Delta Elite Services team member will personally handle their luggage and escort the passenger to their seat.

"We partnered with Delta given their relentless focus on raising the industry bar on passenger innovation," Blade founder and CEO Rob Wiesenthal told Business Insider. "With Blade, this innovation now includes reducing the time and friction associated with traveling between Manhattan and JFK. "

The transfer through Delta costs $250 plus $1,000 for the private helicopter, which has six seats. It can be booked via the Blade app. It's worth noting that a typical Blade airport ride to JFK (without the Delta Elite Services team, and with the typical TSA screening) starts at $195 a seat.

pulse