News Release

Blade appoints former Carlson Wagonlit travel executive as Blade Europe CEO; expedited tarmac-side security screening at France's Nice International Airport for passengers launched

Blade Air Mobility, Inc. an asset-light passenger air mobility and medical logistics company, today announced the appointment of Rémi Bouysset as CEO of Blade Europe.​​ Blade Europe passengers can also now enjoy helipad-side security clearance at Nice International Airport in France, enabling helicopter fliers to connect directly to their commercial flights at their departing gates, bypassing the general security screening queues at the airport.

Mr. Bouysset brings to Blade Europe a wealth of experience spanning 30 years in the travel, hospitality and luxury sectors. The France-born executive led international commercial teams, at both Carlson Wagonlit Travel and Hogg Robinson Group France before its acquisition by American Express in 2015. He then served as head of the global partners and charters division at Ponant, a luxury cruise line, where his work led to the doubling of its fleet and enhancing the guest experience for over four years. Most recently Mr. Bouysset served as the CEO of Blade's helicopter operating partner in France and Monaco, the Monacair Group.

Melissa Tomkiel, president of Blade Air Mobility, said, “I can't think of an executive better suited to help to aggressively grow Blade Europe than Rémi. His travel and hospitality experience coupled with his recent role as CEO of our operating partner Monacair will enable him to act quickly and decisively.”

Commenting on Blade Europe's new ability to streamline its Nice Airport passenger experience, Mr. Bouysset said, “Blade already turns 90 minute drives into seven minute flights between cities in the South of France. The opening of this new security screening facility enables our helicopter passengers flying to Nice Airport from departure points including Monaco, Cannes, St. Tropez, Geneva and Courchevel to save even more time by connecting directly from the helipad landing zone to the departing gates of their commercial flights.”

Mr. Bouysset added, “The addition of the new helipad-side security screening at Nice Airport not only enhances time savings and convenience for our passengers but also allows us to scale our airport transfer services as we transition to quiet, emission-free, electric vertical aircraft.”

Separately, Blade Europe also appointed Benoit Cocheteux, an experienced aviation and logistics executive as chief operating officer, who joins Blade Europe's management team led by Mr. Bouysset.

Blade Europe is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Blade Air Mobility. Through its operating partners Monacair and Héli Sécurité, it is the exclusive provider of year-round, daily, scheduled helicopter transfers between Nice Airport and Monaco Heliport. Seats and charters on this scheduled service can be purchased on the Blade mobile app from €195 each way. Blade Europe is also a leader in the helicopter charter business providing flights throughout the South of France, Monaco, northern Italy, Switzerland and popular ski destinations in the Alps.