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Blade Participates in First Electric Passenger Flight in the U.S.
Globenewswire· 2025-06-03 19:17
Core Insights - Blade Air Mobility participated in the first passenger-carrying flight of an electric aircraft in the U.S., marking a significant milestone in all-electric aviation within commercial airspace [1][2] - The flight utilized BETA Technologies' ALIA CTOL aircraft, which is designed for safe, efficient, and sustainable transport [2][3] - Blade's asset-light model and proprietary terminal infrastructure position the company to lead the transition to quiet, emission-free aircraft [3][4] Company Overview - Blade Air Mobility provides air transportation and logistics services, including organ transport for hospitals and passenger services primarily in the Northeast U.S. and Southern Europe [4] - The company aims to facilitate a seamless transition from traditional aircraft to Electric Vertical Aircraft (EVA or eVTOL), promoting lower-cost, quiet, and emission-free air mobility [4] Industry Context - The successful demonstration flight underscores the feasibility of electric aviation in metropolitan environments and highlights the potential for reducing congestion and emissions [3][8] - BETA Technologies is focused on producing next-generation electric aircraft and developing the necessary infrastructure for reliable charging across the U.S. [6]
Blade Air Mobility (BLDE) FY Conference Transcript
2025-05-28 15:42
Blade Air Mobility (BLDE) FY Conference Summary Company Overview - Blade Air Mobility operates in the short-distance aviation market, primarily focusing on helicopter services and transitioning to electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft as they become available [3][4] - The company has been operational for approximately ten years and has established a significant presence in the Northeast United States and Southern Europe [3][6] Core Business Segments Medical Transportation - Blade is the largest air transporter of human organs in the United States, with the medical segment accounting for about 60% of its business [7] - The medical business is highly profitable, with adjusted EBITDA expected to reach approximately $6 million for the passenger side, with additional growth anticipated [8][9] - The company is moving from low teens to high teens in profit margins for the medical side, while the passenger side is targeting high single-digit margins [12] Passenger Transportation - Blade's passenger business operates in a competitive landscape, particularly in the Northeast United States, where it has no direct competition [20] - The pricing model includes a subscription service that allows customers to fly for as low as $95, with an average checkout exceeding $300 [30][31] - The passenger business is characterized by seasonality, but Blade's asset-light model allows for flexible capacity management [13][15] Growth Opportunities eVTOL Transition - Blade is preparing for the integration of eVTOL aircraft, with expected deployment timelines in the Middle East by late 2025 and in the Northeast by late 2027 or 2028 [34][35] - The transition to eVTOL is anticipated to unlock significant growth due to quieter operations and increased landing zone availability [38][42] Medical Market Expansion - The medical market is experiencing high single-digit growth, driven by factors such as regulatory changes and advancements in perfusion technology [44] - Blade is expanding its service offerings, including ground transportation and clinical matching functions for organ transplants [46] Competitive Advantages - Blade's brand recognition and customer experience are key competitive advantages, with a focus on providing a seamless and enjoyable travel experience [47][50] - The company has developed a robust technology stack that enhances operational efficiency and customer engagement [51][52] Financial Position - Blade reported a clean balance sheet with approximately $120 million in cash and no debt, positioning the company well for future growth [11] - The company has achieved profitability ahead of schedule, with strong financial performance across both medical and passenger segments [10][54] Conclusion - Blade Air Mobility is well-positioned for future growth with a strong focus on both its medical and passenger transportation segments, leveraging its brand, technology, and operational efficiencies to capitalize on emerging opportunities in the aviation market [55][56]
Blade Air Mobility to Present at the Jefferies eVTOL / AAM Summit
Globenewswire· 2025-05-22 19:05
Company Overview - Blade Air Mobility, Inc. is a technology-powered air mobility platform that provides air transportation and logistics for hospitals across the United States, being one of the largest transporters of human organs for transplant [2] - The company offers helicopter and fixed-wing services primarily in the Northeast United States and Southern Europe, operating under an asset-light model with exclusive passenger terminal infrastructure and proprietary technologies [2] Upcoming Events - The CEO Rob Wiesenthal and CFO Will Heyburn will present at the Jefferies eVTOL / AAM Summit on May 28, 2025, at 10:40 am ET, with a webcast available for investors [1] Business Model and Technology - Blade's model is designed to facilitate a seamless transition from traditional helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft to Electric Vertical Aircraft (EVA or eVTOL), aiming for lower-cost air mobility that is both quiet and emission-free [2]
Blade Air Mobility (BLDE) Conference Transcript
2025-05-21 20:00
Blade Air Mobility (BLDE) Conference Summary Company Overview - Blade Air Mobility has been operational for eleven years, initially focusing on helicopter passenger transport in New York and expanding to European markets such as Monaco, Nice, Cannes, and Geneva [1][2] - The company aims to transition from helicopters to electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, leveraging an asset-light model that allows for future aircraft swaps [2][4] Industry Dynamics - The transition to eVTOL is expected to occur soon, with potential commercialization timelines for manufacturers like Adobe and Archer projected for late 2025 to early 2026 in the Middle East and late 2027 to early 2028 in the U.S. [10][11] - Blade is well-positioned to capitalize on this transition due to its established infrastructure and technology stack, which includes heliports in key markets [12][14] Key Business Segments Passenger Transport - Blade has successfully penetrated the passenger market, offering competitive pricing that has attracted a significant customer base [11] - The company has broken through pricing barriers, offering a $95 annual airport pass for frequent flyers [11] Medical Transport - Blade is the largest air transporter of human organs in the U.S., with a business generating approximately $150 million, surpassing its passenger transport revenue [5][6][37] - The medical segment is expected to grow in double digits, with a target margin expansion from 15% to high teens due to increased control over owned jets [34][35] - Blade holds about 30-35% of the organ transport market, indicating significant growth potential [37] Technological Advancements - The company is exploring the integration of AI in operations, aiming for enhanced safety and efficiency in future eVTOL aircraft [21][22] - Blade does not manufacture its own aircraft but collaborates with established manufacturers like Bell and Airbus [23] Financial Performance - Blade is ahead of its profitability projections, with adjusted EBITDA expected to exceed $10 million in 2025, up from just over $1 million last year [43][45] - The company maintains a strong financial position with $120 million in cash and zero debt, focusing on strategic acquisitions in the medical sector [40][42] Strategic Initiatives - Blade is actively seeking acquisitions that can enhance its medical transport capabilities and leverage existing hospital relationships [40][42] - The company is involved in various high-profile events to increase brand recognition and attract new customers, such as the Ryder Cup and major music festivals [28][29] Conclusion - Blade Air Mobility is strategically positioned to lead the transition to eVTOL aircraft while maintaining a strong foothold in the medical transport sector, showcasing impressive financial growth and operational efficiency [43][45]
Blade Air Mobility to Present at the Ladenburg Thalmann Technology Innovation Expo 25
Globenewswire· 2025-05-19 20:40
Company Overview - Blade Air Mobility, Inc. is a technology-powered air mobility platform that provides air transportation and logistics for hospitals across the United States, being one of the largest transporters of human organs for transplant [2] - The company offers helicopter and fixed-wing services primarily in the Northeast United States and Southern Europe, operating an asset-light model with exclusive passenger terminal infrastructure and proprietary technologies [2] Upcoming Events - Rob Wiesenthal, the CEO of Blade, will present at the Ladenburg Thalmann Technology Innovation Expo 25 on May 21, 2025, at 3:00 PM ET, with a webcast available for investors [1] Business Model and Technology - Blade's model is designed to facilitate a seamless transition from traditional helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft to Electric Vertical Aircraft (EVA or eVTOL), aiming for lower-cost air mobility that is both quiet and emission-free [2]
What Makes Blade Air Mobility (BLDE) a New Buy Stock
ZACKS· 2025-05-16 17:01
Core Viewpoint - Blade Air Mobility, Inc. (BLDE) has been upgraded to a Zacks Rank 2 (Buy), indicating a positive outlook on its earnings estimates, which is a significant factor influencing stock prices [1][4]. Earnings Estimates and Revisions - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Blade Air Mobility for the fiscal year ending December 2025 is projected at -$0.10 per share, reflecting a 61.5% change from the previous year's reported number [9]. - Over the past three months, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for Blade Air Mobility has increased by 55.8%, indicating a trend of rising earnings estimates [9]. Zacks Rating System - The Zacks rating system is based solely on a company's changing earnings picture, which is tracked through EPS estimates from sell-side analysts [2]. - The system classifies stocks into five groups, with Zacks Rank 1 (Strong Buy) to Zacks Rank 5 (Strong Sell), and has shown an impressive track record, with Zacks Rank 1 stocks generating an average annual return of +25% since 1988 [8]. - The upgrade of Blade Air Mobility to Zacks Rank 2 places it in the top 20% of Zacks-covered stocks, suggesting a strong potential for market-beating returns in the near term [11].
Blade Mobility Stock Soars—Is This SPAC Finally Taking Off?
MarketBeat· 2025-05-15 11:50
Core Viewpoint - Blade Mobility Inc. has seen a significant stock increase of over 18% following the release of its first-quarter earnings, highlighting positive financial performance and growth potential in the air mobility sector [1][3]. Company Overview - Blade Mobility operates in the air transport sector, offering services through a fleet that includes helicopters, private jets, turboprops, and amphibious seaplanes. The business is divided into two main verticals: Medical Services (58% of revenue) and Passenger Services (42% of revenue) [2][3]. Financial Performance - The company reported revenue of $54.3 million, exceeding expectations of $49.3 million, marking a 10% increase. The earnings per share showed a loss of four cents, which was better than the anticipated loss of 11 cents. Notably, Blade achieved its first-ever EBITDA profit of $0.1 million in the passenger segment [3][4]. - Blade reaffirmed its full-year revenue guidance of $245 million to $265 million, indicating a potential 2% year-over-year gain, driven by reduced aircraft maintenance and ongoing cost-saving measures [4]. Market Position and Future Outlook - Blade Mobility went public via a SPAC in 2020 and, despite facing challenges in the past, has shown resilience with a stock recovery from its 52-week low. The recent earnings report has positioned the stock above its 200-day simple moving average, suggesting bullish momentum [5][7]. - The air mobility sector is expanding, with growing interest in eVTOLs. Blade's core business in organ transport provides a significant first-mover advantage, making it less vulnerable to competition from companies like Joby Aviation and Archer Aviation [8]. - Analysts project a 12-month stock price forecast of $6.25, representing an 80.64% upside from the current price of $3.46, with a consensus indicating a bullish sentiment towards the stock [9][10].
Blade Air Mobility (BLDE) FY Conference Transcript
2025-05-14 20:40
Summary of Blade's Conference Call Company Overview - Blade operates in two primary segments: Medical (60% of revenue) and Passenger (40% of revenue) [4][5] - The Medical segment is a leading transporter of human organs for transplant in the U.S., generating approximately $150 million in revenue with a 13% EBITDA margin over the last twelve months [5][6] - The Passenger segment focuses on short-distance transportation in the U.S. and Europe, generating about $6.3 million in adjusted EBITDA [8] Key Growth Drivers Medical Segment - The industry growth rate is in the high single digits, driven by technology adoption and regulatory changes [6][13] - Blade has a 30% market share in air logistics, with ongoing customer acquisition, including two new high-volume transplant centers [14][15] - Ancillary services, such as ground logistics and organ placement services, are growing at or above the overall growth rate [15] - The company aims for a 15% EBITDA margin in the Medical segment, with expectations of improvement in the second half of the year [17][19] Passenger Segment - The transition to electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft is seen as a significant growth opportunity, with new landing zones viewed as new business opportunities [33][45] - The company has restructured its European operations and exited the Canadian market, leading to improved profitability [30][31] - Blade anticipates low single-digit growth in the passenger business for the year, excluding Canada [34] Technology and Operations - Blade employs a technology platform in the Medical segment for real-time logistics management and data analytics [21] - The Passenger segment has a consumer-facing app and operational technology for flight management [36][38] - The company operates an asset-light model in the Passenger segment, relying on third-party aircraft to mitigate economic sensitivity and seasonality [39] Market Trends and Competitive Landscape - The company has observed a seasonal pickup in demand for the Passenger segment as summer approaches, despite some softness in New York-centric products [41] - Blade's established brand, scale, and infrastructure position it well against competitors entering the eVTOL market [49][56] - The introduction of eVTOLs is expected to create new landing zones and expand market opportunities [54][62] Capital Allocation Strategy - Blade has $120 million in cash with no debt, focusing on strategic acquisitions in the Medical segment and investments in additional aircraft and vehicles [64] - The company views its medical business as a logistics platform with potential for expansion into other time-critical logistics markets [65] Investment Thesis - Blade is at an inflection point, transitioning from breakeven EBITDA to generating positive cash flow [67] - There is significant growth potential in the Medical segment, with a target of high teens EBITDA margins, and attractive optionality in the Passenger segment ahead of the eVTOL transition [68]
Blade Air Mobility to Present at the 2025 J.P. Morgan Annual Global Technology, Media, and Communications Conference
Globenewswire· 2025-05-12 18:00
Company Overview - Blade Air Mobility, Inc. is a technology-powered air mobility platform that provides air transportation and logistics for hospitals across the United States, being one of the largest transporters of human organs for transplant [2] - The company offers helicopter and fixed-wing services primarily in the Northeast United States and Southern Europe, operating an asset-light model with exclusive passenger terminal infrastructure and proprietary technologies [2] Upcoming Events - Mat Schneider, Vice President of Investor Relations and Strategic Finance, will present at the 2025 J.P. Morgan Annual Global Technology, Media, and Communications Conference on May 14, 2025, at 3:40 PM ET [1] Business Model and Technology - Blade's model is designed to facilitate a seamless transition from helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft to Electric Vertical Aircraft (EVA or eVTOL), aiming for lower-cost air mobility that is both quiet and emission-free [2]
Blade(BLDE) - 2025 Q1 - Quarterly Report
2025-05-12 15:27
Financial Performance - Total revenue increased by $2.8 million or 5.4%, from $51.5 million in Q1 2024 to $54.3 million in Q1 2025[148]. - For the three months ended March 31, 2025, total revenue increased by 5.4% to $54.3 million from $51.5 million in the same period of 2024[162]. - Passenger segment revenue rose by $2.9 million, or 18.5%, from $15.5 million in 2024 to $18.4 million in 2025[164]. - Medical segment revenue decreased by $0.1 million, or 0.2%, from $36.0 million in 2024 to $35.9 million in 2025[167]. - Adjusted EBITDA improved by $2.3 million, from $(3.5) million in Q1 2024 to $(1.2) million in Q1 2025, primarily due to a $2.7 million improvement in the Passenger segment[171]. - Gross profit increased by $2.2 million, or 38.3%, from $5.9 million in Q1 2024 to $8.1 million in Q1 2025[172]. - Flight profit increased by $1.8 million, or 18.1%, from $10.1 million in Q1 2024 to $12.0 million in Q1 2025[172]. - Gross margin improved from 11.4% in Q1 2024 to 14.9% in Q1 2025[173]. - Flight margin increased from 19.7% in Q1 2024 to 22.1% in Q1 2025[173]. - The company had a net loss of $3.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2025, an improvement from a net loss of $4.2 million in the same period of 2024[170]. Operational Highlights - Blade reported a total of 13,884 seats flown in all passenger flights for the three months ended March 31, 2025, compared to 13,286 seats in the same period of 2024, representing a growth of approximately 4.5%[116]. - The company discontinued operations in Canada on August 31, 2024, which previously accounted for 14,120 seats flown in the three months ended March 31, 2024[117]. - The company acquired ten fixed-wing aircraft dedicated to the Medical segment over the course of 2024, aiming to improve economies of scale and service reliability[120]. - Blade's proprietary technology stack enables real-time tracking of organ transports and passenger flights, enhancing operational efficiency and scalability[122]. - The MediMobility Organ Transport product line serves transplant centers and hospitals, with transportation requests typically made only hours before departure, emphasizing the need for reliability[126]. - Blade's growth strategy includes expanding its by-the-seat product offerings, which are crucial for increasing passenger revenue despite variability in pricing[115]. - The company anticipates leveraging the lower operating costs of Electric Vertical Aircraft (EVA) to reduce consumer prices and expand into new markets[123]. - Blade's ability to attract and retain fliers is critical, as competition from various transportation options necessitates effective marketing and service offerings[125]. - The organ transportation market is highly competitive, with Blade facing challenges from manufacturers of organ preservation equipment that also provide transportation services[127]. Revenue Breakdown - Short Distance revenue decreased by $0.5 million or (5.4)% from $9.8 million in Q1 2024 to $9.3 million in Q1 2025, primarily due to the termination of Canada routes[149]. - Jet and Other revenue increased by $3.4 million or 59.9%, from $5.7 million in Q1 2024 to $9.1 million in Q1 2025, driven by growth in jet charters[150]. - MediMobility Organ Transport revenue decreased by $(0.1) million or (0.2)% from $36.0 million in Q1 2024 to $35.9 million in Q1 2025 due to lower air flight hours[151]. Cost and Expenses - Cost of revenue increased by $1.0 million or 2.3%, from $41.4 million in Q1 2024 to $42.3 million in Q1 2025, with a decrease in cost of revenue as a percentage of revenue from 80% to 78%[152][153]. - Software development costs increased by $0.1 million or 21.2%, from $0.7 million in Q1 2024 to $0.8 million in Q1 2025[155]. - General and administrative expenses increased by $0.1 million or 0.6%, from $17.2 million in Q1 2024 to $17.3 million in Q1 2025[156]. - Selling and marketing expenses decreased by $(0.7) million or (32.6)%, from $2.1 million in Q1 2024 to $1.4 million in Q1 2025[158]. - Total other non-operating income decreased by $(1.5) million or (26.6)%, from $5.5 million in Q1 2024 to $4.1 million in Q1 2025[159]. Cash Flow and Liquidity - As of March 31, 2025, total liquidity was $120.0 million, consisting of cash and cash equivalents of $34.8 million and short-term investments of $85.2 million[186]. - For the three months ended March 31, 2025, net cash used in operating activities was $0.2 million, compared to $15.6 million for the same period in 2024[195][196]. - Net cash provided by investing activities for the three months ended March 31, 2025, was $20.4 million, driven by $107.8 million from maturities of held-to-maturity investments[197]. - The company has a stock repurchase program authorized for up to $20.0 million, with approximately $19.8 million remaining as of March 31, 2025[191]. - For the three months ended March 31, 2025, net cash used in financing activities was $4.2 million, primarily due to payroll tax payments on behalf of employees[199]. - The cash increase for the three months ended March 31, 2025, was $16.0 million, compared to an increase of $9.0 million for the same period in 2024[194]. - The company believes no additional capital will be needed to execute its current business plan over the next 12 months[192]. - The company’s longer-term liquidity requirements will depend on factors including market expansion pace and customer retention[192]. - As of March 31, 2025, the company has commitments to purchase flights with minimum guarantees of $4.9 million and $6.1 million for the years ending December 31, 2025 and 2026, respectively[189]. - The company has operating lease obligations with expected annual minimum payments of $1.6 million and $2.1 million for the years ending December 31, 2025 and 2026, respectively[189]. - The company entered into a technology service agreement for cloud computing services, committing to spend $0.6 million and $1.6 million for the years ending December 31, 2025 and 2026, respectively[190].