Business Aviation Convention Will Again Spotlight Urban Air Mobility in Action

The future of urban transportation will once again get a real-world showcase at the National Business Aviation Association’s annual convention. BLADE Urban Air Mobility, now under Joby Aviation, will operate short, by-the-seat flights during the Las Vegas event from October 14 to 16. The service will ferry attendees between the Las Vegas Convention Center and Henderson Executive Airport, exchanging dense city traffic for a five-minute hop.

“We are pleased to once again partner with BLADE to provide fast and convenient flights at NBAA-BACE,” said NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen. “BLADE pioneered the urban, by-the-seat vertical transportation model, which will be an essential component of the future of advanced air mobility.”

This year is not BLADE’s first rodeo with NBAA. The company has run similar services in past years, all of which were unsurprisingly quick to sell out. Each flight seats up to seven passengers, offering attendees a short taste of the urban air mobility tech that’s been long advertised but is finally starting to deliver tangible experiences.

Joby’s recent acquisition of BLADE’s passenger business only amplifies the spotlight, giving both brands a platform to show how conventional rotorcraft service can evolve into all-electric air taxis.

On top of the live flights, Joby will display its next-generation electric aircraft on the static ramp at Henderson, giving visitors a close look at what the company hopes will replace traditional helicopters in a few years. Representatives from Joby will also be on-site to discuss plans for integrating their eVTOL aircraft into BLADE’s existing network once certified.

Pricing for the BLADE shuttles starts at $195 for NBAA members and $245 for non-members. The flights serve both as a marketing exercise and a tangible example of how business aviation is preparing for an electric transition. As flashy as the display may be, BLADE’s return to NBAA-BACE ultimately reinforces the fact that air taxis are now more than just a futuristic concept.

“We are excited to build on our long-standing partnership with the NBAA,” added BLADE CEO Rob Wiesenthal. “Our service between the Las Vegas Convention Center and Henderson Airport highlights the value of vertical transportation by providing attendees with a fast, reliable alternative to ground congestion.”

FMI: www.blade.com