Blade, which is also known as the Uber of helicopter services announced the launch of its helicopter services in India. Starting November 18, travellers between Mumbai, Pune and Shirdi can opt for a helicopter to travel. Blade India initially planned to launch helicopter services by March 2019, however, the launch has been postponed by a good six months. For the unaware, Blade is a United States-based mobility startup that offers chopper rides to the passengers to make their travel faster and efficient.
Blade India Launches Helicopter Services in India
In the US, Blade is the largest chopper service for the general passengers and it's now entering the Indian market. Blade India will be launching chopper services between three popular Indian cities- Mumbai, Pune and Shirdi. And the chopper service will be made available on a per seat basis to the civilians.
As for the prices, the carrier will charge Rs 19,900 per seat between Mumbai-Pune, Pune-Shirdi at Rs 18,900 and Mumbai-Shirdi at Rs 21,900. Do make a note that these are inaugural prices and they are subjected to change in the coming months. Furthermore, the prices mentioned above are excluding 18% GST. This news was reported by Mumbai Mirror.
“The first chopper ride will take passengers from Pune to Mumbai, then fly to the temple town of Shirdi, and return to Pune. The average flight will reduce 4 to 6-hour journeys to all of 35 minutes,” said a spokesperson for Blade India, a joint venture between Blade and a private equity fund Hunch Ventures.
Blade India Opens Heliports and Lounges in Three Cities
Additionally, Blade India has already opened heliports and lounges in Mumbai, Pune, and Shirdi where it has launched the chopper services. In Mumbai, the Blade lounge and heliport is located at Mahalaxmi Race Course; In Pune, it's located at Mundwa, and in Shirdi, the heliport and lounge are located at Atma Malik Dhyanpeeth in Chaitanyapuri on the Shirdi-Kopargaon road.
In a statement, Karanpal Singh, founder, Hunch Ventures said, “Across the world, helicopter services have taken wing. We are thus proud to bring this much-needed service to India.”
Blade India is expecting to launch the chopper services across all major cities and tier-II cities very soon.
