Blade Air Mobility, Inc. (Nasdaq: BLDE, “Blade”) 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 now enjoy helipad-side security clearance at Nice International Airport (“Nice Airport”), 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 & Charters division at Ponant, a luxury cruise line, where his work led to the doubling of their 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 ninety 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 the 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.