In a bid to strengthen its positioning in Southern India, the urban air mobility (UAM) platform Blade India has added Hampi as its third route in Karnataka.
A press release from the company said it will begin weekly by-the-seat services between Bengaluru - Hampi starting February 18th, 2022.
Travel from Bengaluru to Hampi takes 7 hours by road, which will now be significantly reduced to a 1.2-hour flight. This enables travellers to spend more time exploring the ruins of Hampi rather than spending half a day travelling.
Travellers flying into the city can board the flight from Jakkur vertiport, 20 minutes away from Kempegowda International Airport. Prices per person one way between Bengaluru to Hampi will cost INR 35,000/- plus taxes. In addition, the fliers can avail of an all-around holistic experience through their baggage, ground transfers and partner benefits.
This is the second launch by the company within a span of two months since its pilot operations between Bangalore - Coorg and Kabini in December 2021. It also makes the brand the only player in the state to offer by-the-seat helicopter services, connecting congested and inaccessible ground routes through an efficient air transport system.
Payal Satish, Commercial Director, Blade India, said travelling to Hampi, which boasts of riches in terms of culture & history, endure long hours of road travel to and from Bangalore, eating into the precious time that they could otherwise spend enjoying their holiday. Blade aims to mitigate this pain point, allow fliers to experience efficiency in their travel, and make Hampi more accessible.
The company said that implementing health and safety protocols designed by its joint venture partner - Blade Urban Air Mobility, makes for a safe travel experience. Additionally, it has implemented guidelines issued by the government of India and WHO, the company added.