US digital helicopter platform Blade is facilitating travel to Los Angeles (LAX) and New York (JFK) airports for customers of American Airlines' Five Star Service programme.

Customers in either area can skip the traffic and get to the airport faster with a private helicopter transfer. They will be picked up in the city at a destination of their choice and flown to LAX or JFK, where they'll be greeted by an American Airlines team member and escorted via Cadillac to Flagship First Check-In. Blade service is also available for arriving customers.

“The number one pain point of travelling from New York City and Los Angeles to the airports is traffic,” says Blade founder and CEO Rob Wiesenthal. ”Our Blade airport transfer product turns an hour-and-a-half drive into a helicopter flight of just five to seven minutes. Blade and American Airlines will now provide customers with a seamless experience from the door of the helicopter to their seat on their American flight.”

The Blade transfer service will be available to customers who book a private transfer through the Blade app.

“We understand the value our customers put on their time and a personalised end-to-end travel experience,” adds American Airlines vice president of global marketing Janelle Anderson. “Whether it is a private travel experience, a little more luxury, fine dining in the airport or getting to the gate quickly, we have them covered.”