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Sikorsky AAG and Fly Blade agreement

February 13, 2019  By Helicopters Staff

Associated Aircraft Group, a subsidiary of Sikorsky, and Fly Blade Inc. reached an agreement to provide what the companies describe as a new on-demand urban mobility option in the New York City metro area. Established more than 25 years ago to serve as an executive helicopter company in the northeastern United States, AAG has more than 58,000 flying hours and operates S-76 helicopters exclusively.


Blade is currently using a Sikorsky S-76 aircraft for several northeastern routes. (Photo: Sikorsky)

“Manhattan already is the largest short-distance aviation market in the world. The influx of record new construction coupled with unprecedented ground traffic will only serve to heighten the value proposition of helicopter travel,” said Rob Wiesenthal, Fly Blade’s CEO.

Through the agreement, Associated Aircraft Group (AAG) will provide and operate a dedicated S-76C+ helicopter for Blade, to be flown and maintained by Sikorsky pilots and maintenance technicians. Blade also will gain access to AAG’s full fleet of Sikorsky helicopters, described by the company as the largest fleet in the Northeast, as needed.

The new agreement also establishes a working group to explore how AAG can best leverage Fly Blade’s consumer, cockpit and operator technology platform.

“Vertical lift becomes increasingly important as cities grow, and this relationship allows us to gain critical insights to emerging needs in that space,” said Audrey Brady, VP, commercial systems & services, Sikorsky.

Fly Blade is now utilizing a Sikorsky S-76 aircraft for several northeastern routes, flying from Manhattan directly to area airports, Boston, Washington, D.C., and other business and leisure destinations in the Northeast. Flights are available on-demand through Blade’s proprietary mobile app.

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