Challenges Facing Urban Air Mobility

Following the completion of design, production, and regulatory approval for electric aircraft, companies focused on urban air mobility will encounter a series of complex logistical hurdles. These include the development of a user-friendly application for connecting passengers with flights and the identification of designated locations for takeoffs and landings.

Wisk Aero and Blade Urban Air Mobility Collaboration

A new alliance between Wisk Aero, a developer of autonomous air taxis, and Blade Urban Air Mobility, an air mobility ride platform, seeks to address these challenges and provide a comprehensive solution.

Partnership Details

The agreement stipulates that Wisk will possess and manage up to 30 aircraft within Blade’s network of dedicated air terminals, serving short-distance routes. Compensation for Wisk will be determined by flight duration, with guaranteed minimum flight-hour commitments as outlined in a company press release.

Strategic Advantages for Blade

This collaboration represents a strategic advancement for both organizations. Blade currently operates as a broker for private air travel, utilizing a digital platform. However, the aircraft currently offered are traditional rotorcraft, like helicopters and seaplanes.

This partnership will facilitate “Blade’s transition from conventional rotorcraft to safe, quiet, emission-free Electric Vertical Aircraft,” according to Rob Wiesenthal, CEO of Blade.

Benefits for Wisk Aero

Wisk, originating from a joint venture between Kitty Hawk and Boeing, stands to gain from Blade’s established expertise as an air mobility service provider. Upon receiving certification from the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration, Wisk will be positioned to rapidly expand its operations through Blade’s existing network.

An Open-Network Approach

Both companies are dedicated to an “open-network” model for Urban Air Mobility. This involves Wisk supplying aircraft to various customer platforms and Blade integrating multiple electric aircraft developers into its ride-sharing services.

It is anticipated that not all electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) companies will pursue a partnership strategy. JoeBen Bevirt, CEO of Joby Aviation, has publicly stated his company’s intention to maintain vertical integration between vehicle development and air taxi operations.

Blade’s Plans for Public Offering

Blade is among a number of air mobility companies, including Joby, planning to become publicly traded through a merger with a special purpose acquisition company (SPAC). In December 2020, Blade announced its intention to merge with Experience Investment Corp., resulting in a valuation of $825 million.

The transaction includes $400 million in gross proceeds and a $125 million private investment in public equity (PIPE).