I don't know what the future of aviation is. I mean, this isn't like, you know, open up your magic eightball and and say, "Do do should I take a sweater tomorrow? It's cold outside." Or or an umbrella because it's going to rain. This is stand here in front of all of you and tell you an educated audience the future of aviation.Oh, and by the way, we're going to put it on YouTube for all eternity. Predicting the future is really hard. But there's one thing I can I can take some comfort in is that I know anyth ...

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]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported revenues of $289 million for Q1 2025, down 7.8% from $313 million in Q1 2024 [20] - Adjusted EBITDA margin was 19.3%, with adjusted diluted EPS at $0.73, compared to $0.90 in the same period last year [7][24] - GAAP net income attributable to the company was $17 million, down from $27 million last year, with GAAP diluted EPS at $0.56 compared to $0.87 [23] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Machine Clothing segment reported revenues of $175 million, a decrease of 5.7% year-over-year, with an adjusted EBITDA margin of 28.4% [20][24] - Engineered Composites segment revenues were $114 million, down 11% from the previous year, with an adjusted EBITDA margin of 13.5% [14][24] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - North America experienced a slight decline in deliveries, but strong order flow indicates market strength [8] - Europe is showing signs of recovery with good deliveries and strong orders, while Asia is mixed with some weakness in China [8] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on integrating Heimbach and expects to see benefits from this integration in the second half of the year [6][11] - The strategy includes enhancing operational efficiencies and regionalizing business operations to mitigate tariff impacts [12][18] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed cautious optimism regarding market conditions, noting that the company was not significantly affected by tariffs in Q1 [6] - The outlook for the second half of 2025 is expected to be stronger due to ramping up at AEC and accelerating Heimbach synergies [26] Other Important Information - The company repurchased $69 million worth of shares in Q1 and has $193 million remaining under its share repurchase authorization [7] - The company is upgrading its SAP system to improve operational efficiencies and analytics [19] Q&A Session Summary Question: Status of LEAP program and inventory management - Management indicated that they are monitoring inventory levels and expect to meet Safran's production schedule, with potential upside in the second half of the year [28] Question: New opportunities for backlog growth - Management noted that there are opportunities in space and missile programs, as well as ramping up across Boeing and Airbus engines [30] Question: Details on the seven-year contract with Bell - Management expressed excitement about the contract, highlighting the opportunity to demonstrate capabilities and achieve projected returns in the high teens for AEC [38] Question: Confidence in Machine Clothing segment growth - Management attributed the decline in organic growth to divestitures but emphasized strong backlog and order strength for the upcoming quarters [56]