American airline Delta will partner with BLADE, a digitally-powered aviation company based in New York City to facilitate a fully integrated, streamlined airport transfer experience allowing Delta customers to travel faster between Manhattan and New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport.
“Our customers value speed and reliability, and so do we. We’re proud to be the only airline facilitating an on-demand helicopter transfer that is curated specifically for Delta customers and in line with the enhanced premium amenities and services they have come to expect from our brand,” said Tim Mapes, Delta’s senior vice president and chief marketing officer. “Partnering with BLADE in the New York City market — home to and destination for many of our most discerning travelers — highlights Delta’s commitment to enhancing every aspect and detail of the travel experience, including getting to and from the airport.”
Delta’s JFK customers can book an expedited, seamless experience that begins and ends at one of BLADE’s three Manhattan heliport lounges where they may relax in a full-service lounge prior to their five-minute flight. Upon touchdown, a member of Delta’s Elite Services team will welcome the customer, collect baggage and personally escort them from the helicopter via awaiting ground transportation to the departure terminal, expediting security clearance as they head to their departing aircraft. When it’s time for the Delta flight, the customer is escorted to their seat on board. Bookings are available via the BLADE app.
Delta’s Elite Services will meet customers arriving into JFK, including those on transcontinental service from Los Angeles and San Francisco and trans-Atlantic flights from London on the jet bridge as they disembark a Delta flight or immediately after they clear customs, reclaim baggage and whisk them directly to the door of a waiting helicopter for the five-minute flight to Manhattan.
“With Delta, BLADE has found a partner that shares the same customer-centric focus to provide a truly unrivaled travel experience,” said BLADE founder and CEO Rob Wiesenthal. “The integration of BLADE airport transfers into Delta’s core offerings will enable us to remove much of the friction faced by many frequent travelers: the challenge of quickly transferring between Manhattan and JFK.”
The multi-billion-dollar investment includes a cabin renovation programme featuring new seats, seatback entertainment systems with free entertainment, and high-capacity overhead bins; access to Wi-Fi on nearly all flights; complimentary meals in the Main Cabin on select flights; upgraded free Main Cabin snacks; chef-curated meals in Delta One; a seasonal wine programme; an Alessi-designed collection of service products and tableware; and more.
