Supernal and Blade Partner to Shape the Future of Urban Air Mobility
In a move that promises to accelerate the adoption of advanced air mobility (AAM), Supernal, the Hyundai Motor Group’s dedicated AAM company, and Blade Urban Air Mobility have announced a strategic partnership. This collaboration will focus on exploring opportunities to develop AAM networks and fleet operations, ultimately leading to the creation of a more efficient and sustainable urban transportation system.
The three-year agreement will leverage the combined expertise of both companies, bringing together Supernal’s cutting-edge electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) technology with Blade’s established air transport platform and operator network.
Synergy and Shared Vision
This partnership highlights a critical shift in the AAM landscape. The focus has moved beyond the mere feasibility of eVTOL technology to a more practical approach, aiming to optimize and integrate it within existing commercial frameworks.
Supernal’s insights into the technological and operational nuances of eVTOL vehicles will be instrumental in developing Blade’s future AAM service offerings. Conversely, Blade’s experience in air transport, coupled with its operator network, will provide valuable feedback to Supernal on aircraft design, safety features, passenger comfort, and operational flexibility across diverse markets.
Focus on Commercialization and Real-World Applications
The partnership extends beyond theoretical exploration. Supernal and Blade will collaborate on scenario planning using real-world examples, such as hypothetical routes and networks in New York City. This will involve evaluating potential applications for their combined technologies, including air taxi services, organ transplant transportation, and other innovative use cases.
Furthermore, they will identify mutually beneficial commercial arrangements in key locations, including Southern California, utilizing Supernal’s eVTOL vehicles and Blade’s platform as an air charter broker. This signifies a commitment to bringing AAM solutions to market and addressing the practical considerations necessary for widespread adoption.
Shared Vision for a Sustainable Future
Both Supernal and Blade share a commitment to making aviation more accessible and sustainable. By combining Blade’s existing infrastructure and expertise with Supernal’s advanced eVTOL technology, this partnership has the potential to accelerate the development of AAM and introduce a new era of quiet, safe, and emission-free transportation.
This collaboration marks a significant step forward in the evolution of AAM. It emphasizes the importance of partnerships and the need to bridge the gap between technology development and real-world applications. By working together, Supernal and Blade are poised to bring the transformative potential of urban air mobility closer to reality, shaping the future of transportation as we know it.
About Supernal
Supernal is a leading Advanced Air Mobility company, developing eVTOL vehicles and a comprehensive ground-to-air ecosystem to support the emerging industry. As part of Hyundai Motor Group, Supernal leverages its parent company’s expertise in manufacturing, automation, supply chain, and R&D to make advanced air mobility accessible to a wider audience.
About Blade Urban Air Mobility, Inc.
Blade Air Mobility provides air transportation and logistics services across the United States, specializing in organ transplant transportation and passenger services. Blade’s asset-light model, coupled with its dedicated infrastructure and proprietary technologies, is designed to facilitate a seamless transition to eVTOL aircraft, enabling more affordable, quiet, and emission-free air mobility solutions.