A mockup of Eve’s air taxi cabin on display at the Paris Air Show.
LE BOURGET—Eve Air Mobility and Blade Air Mobility have announced plans to integrate Eve’s electric air taxis into Blade’s European helicopter network, building on cooperative agreements the two companies have reached in India and the U.S.
The expanded partnership, unveiled July 19 here at the Paris Air Show, will begin with France, where the partners will work to identify suitable routes for urban air mobility (UAM) flights before expanding the initiative to include other European countries.
The plans underline Blade’s vision for integrating electric-vertical-takeoff-and-landing (eVTOL) aircraft into its existing helicopter network. The company has been building out its Southern European network and last September acquired the charter and scheduled flight operations of three prominent UAM operators in the region: Azur Helicoptere, Heli Securite and Monacair.
“Extending our partnership with Eve underscores Blade’s commitment to leading the transition from conventional to electric vertical aircraft,” Blade CEO Rob Wiesenthal said in a statement. “The introduction of Eve’s aircraft into our European network will mark a significant step towards realizing this goal. Together, we are poised to transform the travel industry and make a lasting positive impact on the environment.”
The latest agreement between Eve and Blade builds on their existing partnership. Blade has ordered 60 of Eve’s four-passenger air taxis to operate in the U.S., including Florida, New York and the West Coast. Blade has also committed to eventually operate up to 200 of Eve’s aircraft in India.
Eve’s air taxis are designed to carry four passengers and a pilot up to 100 km (62 mi.) at entry-into-service, currently expected in 2026. The startup boasts conditional orders for more than 2,700 aircraft, more than any other player in the emerging eVTOL sector.
