“Supernal Sign Two Partnership Agreements with Clay Lacy and Blade at Las Vegas NBAA-BACE 2024”
U.S‑based Supernal, a leading eVTOL developer and part of the Hyundai Motor Group, has been busy today signing two different partnership agreements to integrate its operational plans within Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) networks and fleet operations, as well as existing airport infrastructure, reports two press releases.
First off is Clay Lacy Aviation, a leading U.S private jet services and aircraft maintenance company. The collaboration was announced today at the Las Vegas National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) Convention and Exhibition (BACE) event (October 22nd-24th).
This prepares the way for Clay Lacy’s fixed-base operator (FBO) locations for eVTOL operations and heralds Supernal’s first official FBO partnership, to benefit future operators of the company’s eVTOL aircraft.
It is a five-year collaboration, where the two companies “will develop end-to-end operational plans for integrating AAM into existing airport infrastructure, with a focus on developing standards and procedures for ground handling, MRO and battery management,” explains the release. Adding, “Supernal will also support Clay Lacy’s work to integrate sufficient power and charging infrastructure for electric aviation.”
Initially, the partnership is to focus on two of Clay Lacy’s FBO locations:-
: SNA (Orange County).
: VNY (Van Nuys).
This aligns with Supernal’s Southern California launch plans. In following phases, the companies “will apply their best practices and learnings to prepare Clay Lacy’s broader FBO network for AAM,” continues the release.

Diana Cooper, Supernal’s Chief Partnerships and Policy Officer, commented, “Clay Lacy’s state-of-the-art facilities, award-winning customer service and commitment to sustainability make them an ideal partner. Availability of infrastructure will be critical to scaling the AAM industry, and this collaboration is the latest step in ensuring the ecosystem is thoughtfully designed for future commercial eVTOL operators.”
Supernal plans to deliver its first all electric-powered aircraft to operators in 2028. It will cruise at 120 miles-per-hour with an initial range of 60 miles.
Scott Cutshall, President of Real Estate and Sustainability at Clay Lacy, remarked, “Our company has a 57-year history of firsts in the aviation industry, and we are committed to support the launch of sustainable, innovative solutions such as these from Supernal.”
Clay Lacy is the first FBO in the world accredited under the National Business Aviation Association’s Sustainable Flight Development program. The company is exhibiting at the NBAA-BACE and can be found at booth 3801.

Blade Urban Mobility is the second signed partnership, also announced at the opening day of the 2024 NBAA-BACE event. This agreement is to explore opportunities to develop AAM networks and fleet operations, including studying varied use cases in markets of shared interest.
As part of a three-year deal, the two companies are to leverage each other’s expertise “in aviation, technology and infrastructure access to further develop the AAM sector and exchange knowledge about the companies’ respective products, services and capabilities,” explains the release.
Specifically, Supernal is “to provide insights on technological and operational nuances to support the development of Blade’s future AAM service offerings,” continues the release. “While Blade and its operator partners will provide Supernal with feedback on aircraft design and safety, upgradeability, passenger comfort and flexibility for various operating markets.”
David Rottblatt, Senior Director of Strategy and Commercialisation at Supernal, commented, “As the company prepares to finalise our eVTOL look, it is critical we collaborate with experienced commercial partners like Blade to ensure our cabin features align with passenger expectations for comfort, safety and efficiency in the next generation of inter-city mobility.”
He continued, “Our partnership underscores how the AAM industry has evolved. The dialogue is no longer about the feasibility of eVTOL technology, but rather how it can be optimised to suit existing commercial platforms and operators.”
The two companies will collaborate on scenario planning using hypothetical routes and networks in New York City to support air taxi, organ transplant transportation and other use cases. They will also work together to identify advantageous commercial arrangements in geographies of mutual interest, including Southern California, using Supernal’s eVTOL vehicle and Blade’s aggregation platforms as an air charter broker.

Melissa Tomkiel, President and General Counsel at Blade , remarked, “By combining Blade’s expertise with Supernal’s forward-thinking innovations, this partnership is poised to accelerate Advanced Air Mobility development and enable quiet, safe and emission-free transportation.”
Attendees at 2024 NBAA-BACE can learn more about Supernal’s eVTOL S‑A2 concept aircraft through a virtual reality experience in Blade’s Lounge at the Henderson Executive Airport. Click here for more information about Supernal’s presence and here to book Blade shuttle flights during the show.
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(Images: Supernal)
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