Flying between Manhattan and the Hamptons has long been a symbol of wealth. But economically, it's a tough business. Despite high fares (seats from $795 to $1,795) and continued demand, about a third of the traffic to the busiest private airport comes from helicopters, the operators don't make much money. Blade Air Mobility, the largest provider of the route, has restructured and relied on other divisions, including medical organ transport and private jet services, to address funding gaps.
The biggest obstacle, according to Blade founder and CEO Rob Wiesenthal, is the limited number of places to stay. Noise complaints limit where helicopters can operate. Blade's Routes of New York they are currently limited to international airports, Manhattan heliports in Chelsea, the Financial District, Midtown and the Hamptons.
Blade is now betting on eVTOLs, or electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft, as a solution to the noise problem. In August 2025, eVTOL developer Joby Aviation acquired Blade's passenger business $125 millionintends to integrate its aircraft with Blade's existing customer network.
Founded by JoeBen Bevirt, Joby has been developing eVTOLs since 2009 and is now in the final stages of FAA certification. The plane is designed to be very quiet—up to 100 times quieter than helicopters, according to the company. If implemented successfully, eVTOLs can open up new destinations for both cities and towns.
“We're going to go into their habitats if we can show that these planes are quiet and airless,” Wiesenthal said.
“The more seats you have, the less the cost,” he added, “Because Joby airplanes have fewer moving parts, and are electric, by definition, they will require less maintenance, and maintenance is one of the biggest. [cost] the drivers.”
eVTOLs can bring additional cost benefits such as reduced landing costs, wider operating permits and shorter arrival times, Wiesenthal said.
Financially, Blade's passenger business lags behind its medical segment. Of second quarter of 2025company the final disbursement before the Job to gain, i the medical transportation business generated more than $45.1 million in sales, accounting for more than 60 percent of total revenue. I the passenger business contributed $25.7 million, including $17.2 million from long-haul flights such as helicopters and seaplanes.
Following the acquisition, Blade's medical division now operates separately as Strata Critical Medical, which specializes in organ transplants and surgical mobility. Blade continues to supply helicopters for that business.
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After Joby's eVTOL received FAA approval, Blade and Joby planned to use it alongside helicopters. “There will be a coexistence phase,” Wiesenthal said, noting that it will take time to scale production to use the Blade's roughly 100,000 riders a year.
Joby did not provide a firm timeline for a commercial launch, citing the uncertainty of FAA approval. However, it has been selected for early implementation in up to 11 states under White House-backed eVTOL Integration Pilot Program (eIPP)which may accelerate its deployment earlier this year. Pricing has also not been finalized, although Wiesenthal expects it to eventually catch up with current helicopter costs before becoming more affordable in the long run.
The company has already logged more than 50,000 test and demonstration miles. In April, it completed its first point-to-point demonstration flights at Port Authority airports, beginning and ending. at John F. Kennedy International Airport. Joby also plans partnerships with Uber and Delta Air Lines, both investors in the company.
Meanwhile, the demand for helicopter tours is increasing beyond resorts like the Hamptons, especially for large events. Hoper, the global helicopter booking platform, plans to launch private and shared flights in New York in September, set at the US Open.
“The growing demand for premium travel to sporting events is one of the reasons we are expanding private charters in New York,” said Hoper CEO Demitris Memos. “You're dealing with road closures, congestion and tight schedules.” Memos added that the company is also preparing to switch to eVTOL aircraft.
A helicopter ride to the Hamptons takes about 40 minutes, compared to more than three hours by car via the Long Island Expressway (without traffic). “There are few ways to buy time,” Wiesenthal said. “We are in an industry where we can create time that did not exist before.”
