The US-based helicopter transport services provider Blade's Indian subsidiary will induct five new H125 in its fleet to further expand its services and has entered into a partnership with European aviation company Airbus for this purpose.
The new machines are being added to meet the significant demand and response from the Indian market for its on-demand helicopter services.
The helicopters will be provided to operators by a GIFT City-based leasing company taking advantage of the government of India's new initiative. Blade will underwrite flight hours through partner operators.
Airbus H125, previously named the AS350 B3e, has proven to be a market leader for urban transportation, heli-tourism, emergency medical services (EMS) and other multi-mission in India and globally.
Launched in 2019, Blade India, which is a joint venture (JV) of Blade UAM Inc US and Hunch Ventures Group India, currently offers its services in Maharashtra and has already announced to launch operations to Karnataka from December 2021.
Since its inception, Blade India has been in active discussions with state governments and tourism boards to introduce short-haul air mobility services across India.
Airbus Helicopters will continue to support its partners' investments in UAM, including by providing them with access to Airbus Helicopters operators, to grow their fleet and services network in the region.