NEW YORK, Sept. 04, 2024 – Qatar Airways, recognized as a leading global airline, has announced a new interline partnership with BLADE Air Mobility, Inc. (Nasdaq: BLDE), a pioneering urban air mobility platform. This collaboration is set to redefine luxury travel to Monaco, offering Qatar Airways passengers a seamless, single-ticket journey from anywhere in the world directly to the heart of Monaco.
This innovative partnership addresses the common pain points of luxury travelers seeking efficient and stylish transfers to Monaco. Upon arrival at Nice Airport, Qatar Airways passengers can now effortlessly transition to a BLADE helicopter. This helicopter service provides a swift and scenic flight directly to the Monte Carlo heliport, bypassing lengthy ground transportation and traffic congestion. Upon landing, a dedicated BLADE limousine service will ensure a smooth onward journey to their final destination in Monaco, whether it be a hotel, private residence, or business meeting.
The synergy between Qatar Airways and BLADE extends beyond their shared commitment to exceptional passenger experiences. Both brands share a strong connection to Formula 1. Qatar Airways proudly serves as the Global Partner and Official Airline of Formula 1®, while BLADE is the preferred air mobility provider for attendees of the Monaco Grand Prix, transporting more passengers to this prestigious event than any other globally. This shared passion makes the partnership particularly advantageous for travelers attending the Grand Prix and other high-profile events in Monaco.
Melissa Tomkiel, President and General Counsel of BLADE, highlights the passenger-centric approach driving this partnership: “We are continuously innovating to elevate the BLADE experience. From our new lounges in Nice and Monaco to this streamlined single-ticket travel option with Qatar Airways, especially during peak events like the Monaco Grand Prix, we are enhancing every touchpoint. We are thrilled to offer this unique service to passengers traveling to Monaco and plan to expand this partnership to other key destinations within BLADE’s European and US networks.”
The benefits of this partnership extend to the return journey as well. Passengers flying from Monaco back to Nice Airport with BLADE will enjoy the convenience of luggage check-through service, directly from Monaco to their final destination with Qatar Airways. Upon arrival at Nice Airport, passengers will be personally escorted to an exclusive, expedited security and customs clearance located at the helipad. From there, they will be driven directly to their departure gate, bypassing the regular airport queues and ensuring a swift and stress-free transition to their onward Qatar Airways flight.
Thierry Antinori, Chief Commercial Officer of Qatar Airways, emphasizes the airline’s dedication to superior service: “As the World’s Best Airline, Qatar Airways is committed to continuously improving our passenger offerings. Our partnership with BLADE exemplifies this commitment, providing an unparalleled travel experience synonymous with Qatar Airways’ high standards. This collaboration ensures our passengers enjoy rapid, efficient, and breathtakingly scenic routes to some of the world’s most desirable destinations, including convenient access to the Monaco Grand Prix and other exclusive events.”
This strategic alliance with Qatar Airways marks another significant milestone in BLADE’s broader strategy of partnering with the world’s leading air carriers. BLADE has previously announced a partnership with Emirates and is currently in its second successful year of a New York-based partnership with JetBlue Airways. These partnerships underscore BLADE’s commitment to creating a global network of seamless urban air mobility solutions, integrated with premier international airlines.
About BLADE Air Mobility
BLADE is at the forefront of urban air mobility, utilizing technology to offer efficient and cost-effective air transportation alternatives in congested urban areas. BLADE’s extensive network handles more city-center passenger movements than any other provider. BLADE offers by-the-seat scheduled flights on helicopters and jets in key locations including Manhattan and major New York airports, Vancouver and Victoria, Canada, and Nice and Monaco in Europe. For further details, please visit flyblade.com/investors.
About Qatar Airways
Qatar Airways, a multi-award-winning airline, was recently named ‘World’s Best Airline’ for an unprecedented eighth time at the 2024 World Airline Awards by Skytrax. Consistently recognized for excellence, Qatar Airways has earned the ‘World’s Best Airline’ title in 2011, 2012, 2015, 2017, 2019, 2021, 2022, and 2024. The airline also secured awards for ‘World’s Best Business Class’, ‘World’s Best Business Class Airline Lounge’, and ‘Best Airline in the Middle East’ in 2024. Qatar Airways is recognized as a leader in innovation and digital adoption and was recently voted ‘World’s Best Airline Website’ by World Travel Tech Awards.
Qatar Airways is committed to environmental sustainability and was the first airline in the Middle East to achieve the highest level of IATA’s Environmental Assessment (IEnvA) program. As a signatory to the Buckingham Palace Declaration since 2016, Qatar Airways is also dedicated to combating illegal wildlife trafficking in aviation.
Qatar Airways’ global network encompasses over 170 destinations, connecting through its hub at Hamad International Airport in Doha. Hamad International Airport has been voted ‘World’s Best Airport’ by Skytrax in 2021, 2022, and 2024, and ‘Best Airport in the Middle East’ for ten consecutive years, and ‘World’s Best Airport Shopping’ for the second year in a row in 2024.
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Source: Blade Air Mobility, Inc.
