Blade's New York City and Northeast customers can now fly upgraded “Ultra” on-demand helicopter service in Bristow's Sikorsky S-76C++, under an agreement announced today. Bristow will provide Blade with the aircraft, two-pilot crews and maintenance, whle Blade will handle the ground support, online passenger booking, on-the-ground experience and marketing for the added service.
Blade Ultra is available on a charter, crowdsourced and scheduled basis, and can be booked directly on Blade's app or website. The “Ultra I” service will feature an S-76 configured to seat eight; “Ultra II,” which will debut later this summer, will feature an S-76 with a six-seat cabin that includes two large captains' chairs. According to Blade, the S-76's baggage compartment can hold between six and eight golf bags and more luggage than any other helicopter in its fleet.
Customers booking the Ultra service also have access to Blade’s Manhattan lounges. Blade Ultra is available to destinations in the New York area, as well as Nantucket; Boston; and Washington, D.C. “We see a tremendous opportunity with Bristow to offer high-end, on-demand helicopter service,” said Blade CEO Rob Wiesenthal.