Supernal and Blade Unveil Strategic Partnership at NBAA-BACE 2024 for AAM Growth

Friday, October 25, 2024

Supernal LLC, the Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) division of Hyundai Motor Group (HMG), has formed a strategic partnership with Blade Urban Air Mobility, Inc. (Blade), announced during the 2024 NBAA-BACE event. The collaboration aims to explore the potential for developing AAM networks and fleet operations. Together, they will examine a range of AAM use cases in mutually interested markets, which will contribute to the advancement of Supernal’s electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) vehicle.

Over the course of this three-year agreement, both companies will capitalize on their combined aviation, technology, and infrastructure expertise to propel the AAM sector forward. Supernal will share insights into the technical and operational aspects of its eVTOL product to assist Blade in shaping its future AAM services. In return, Blade, a leader in air transport platforms, will work alongside its operator partners to provide feedback on Supernal’s aircraft design, focusing on safety, upgradeability, passenger experience, and adaptability across various markets.

“As Supernal prepares to finalize our eVTOL features, it is critical we collaborate with experienced commercial partners like Blade to ensure our eVTOL’s cabin features align with passenger expectations for comfort, safety and efficiency in the next generation of inter-city mobility,” said David Rottblatt, senior director of strategy and commercialization, Supernal. “Supernal and Blade’s partnership underscores how the Advanced Air Mobility industry has evolved: The dialogue is no longer about the feasibility of eVTOL technology, but rather how it can be optimized to suit existing commercial platforms and operators.”

Supernal and Blade are joining forces to explore capital, infrastructure, and development solutions aimed at advancing the AAM industry. To achieve this shared goal, they will conduct scenario planning using hypothetical routes and networks in New York City, focusing on applications such as air taxis, organ transplant transport, and other innovative use cases. Additionally, the partnership will seek out strategic commercial opportunities in regions of shared interest, including Southern California, leveraging Supernal’s eVTOL vehicles and Blade’s air charter broker platforms to optimize AAM operations.

“Our goal is to make aviation more accessible by preparing to adopt eVTOL aircraft,” said Melissa Tomkiel, president and general counsel, Blade. “In combining Blade’s expertise with Supernal’s forward-thinking innovations, this partnership is poised to accelerate Advanced Air Mobility development and enable quiet, safe and emission-free transportation.”

Attendees at the 2024 NBAA-BACE can explore Supernal’s eVTOL product concept vehicle, the S-A2, through a virtual reality experience available at Blade’s Lounge at Henderson Executive Airport. This immersive experience offers a closer look at the innovative design and features of the S-A2. Visitors can also book Blade shuttle flights during the event for added convenience.