FlyBlade India, a joint venture between Hunch Ventures and Blade Air Mobility, has launched same-day return helicopter service to connect Bengaluru with Tirupati airport as part of its expansion plan. The flights are ‘on demand’ and available for Rs 3,50,000 onwards, can accommodate up to 5 guests at a time which can be booked via crowdsource and/or charter.
Onward journeys from Bangalore airport will start from HAL between 09:15 AM to 09:30 AM while return flights will take place between 04:00 PM to 4:15 PM in the evening. The service aims to enhance connectivity to Tirupati and make travel more convenient and time-effective for pilgrims, especially the elderly.
Blade India expands to Karnataka by connecting Bangalore with Coorg and Kabini. It offers by-the-seat helicopter service to Coorg and Kabini starting at Rs 20000 per person and connects BIAL to the city center at Rs 4500 per person.
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Commenting on the launch of Blade’s services in Tirupati, Mr. Amit Dutta, Managing Director, Blade India, said, “Pilgrimage in India presents itself as a transformative journey, but it also faces challenges of accessibility, especially for the elderly. One of the favorite destinations, Tirupati stands as a beacon of devotion. Keeping this in mind, Blade India strives to improve connectivity to this spiritual destination with its aim of connecting popular destinations. which is otherwise not accessible or well-connected. We are glad that the customary Tirupati Darshan, which involves two full days of travel, is relieved with Blade India. Pilgrims can now traverse the same celestial journey, in the same Days can return to the city, unfolding a tapestry of convenience, swiftness and timeless efficacy.”
Blade India has partnered with EVA manufacturers such as Eve Air Mobility to prepare for end-to-end equipment swapping of conventional helicopters with Electric Vertical Aircraft (EVA). Under the partnership, Blade will receive 200 of EVE’s (names to be added) EVAs by 2026. EVAS will reduce noise and carbon footprints as well as operating costs. Over time, this gradual equipment swap will result in lower costs for fliers as well as more landing area options in the future. The Bengaluru launch in October 2022 was a pilot project for the partners.