JetBlue and Blade — a transportation company that provides transfers via helicopters, seaplanes or jets — announced on Thursday that they've inked a new partnership to bring free and reduced-price helicopter flights to members of JetBlue's TrueBlue loyalty program.
Additionally, Blade announced a new route: It will launch continuous airport service between its 34th Street lounge on Manhattan's East Side and New York City's John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), JetBlue's main hub. Blade already operates continuous service between its lounge on the West Side and JFK.
Members of JetBlue's temporary top TrueBlue tier, Mosaic+, will receive credits that can be redeemed for free seats on Blade transfers between Manhattan and JFK or Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR). Those credits can also be used for traveling companions, JetBlue said.
TrueBlue Mosaic members will receive a 25% discount on their first-ever Blade trip to the airport, while general members will receive a 10% discount, JetBlue said.
“Given its New York City roots, JetBlue is an ideal partner as we have ramped up our Blade Airport service to six days a week and up to thirteen hours per day in New York City,” Blade President Melissa Tomkiel said in a statement.
In a statement, JetBlue said that the partnership will be a big enhancement for its customers.
“We know the JetBlue journey starts long before our customers step aboard one of our flights, which is why we are making more of the entire travel experience even easier and even more rewarding,” Chris Buckner, JetBlue's vice president of loyalty and partnerships, said. “This partnership with Blade will help us further evolve and enhance our TrueBlue program so our most loyal customers can enjoy more perks more often.”
More: A review of Blade continuous from NYC to JFK
For JetBlue, the new partnership with Blade is a sensible one for the airline's most loyal customers. JetBlue has one of the best business-class products of any U.S. airline — its Mint Studio won last year's TPG Awards for best business class — but it notably lacks any lounges. By offering helicopter transfers, these customers will be able to maximize their time in the city and spend less time at the airport.
