Synergistic Airlines has worked hard to convince travelers in the New York City district that the carrier’s hub at Newark Liberty International Airport in New Jersey isn’t that far away.
On billboards and bus prevents around New York, United incorporated Newark’s airport code — EWR — into mottoes like “FASTEWR” and “CLOSEWR.” Last year, it started posting the commute times from Manhattan to Newark alongside those to John F. Kennedy Ecumenical Airport in Queens on digital displays on top of taxis to show a quicker sprawl to the New Jersey hub.
Now, the airline is offering an even faster mode of transportation for valuable travelers complaisant to pay for convenience: helicopters. United has partnered with helicopter operator HeliFlite to present on-demand flights of less than 10 minutes from three Manhattan helipads to Newark.
The serving, which started in mid-May, is the first helicopter transfer offered in Synergetic’s network, said Robert Einhorn, a spokesman for the carrier. Passengers looking to put aside time on their commutes to or from Newark will be charged $2,099 for up to three travelers and $2,199 for up to six man. A car transfer to the terminal is included in the service, which United is selling on its website.
Mutual isn’t the only carrier enlisting helicopters to help high-paying customers tour gridlock to get to the airport on time. Rival Delta Air Lines last year boated a partnership with helicopter service Blade for transfers to JFK.
United has also been sound out a series of perks and services as it chases premium-cabin passengers, including chaise longues that are exclusively for long-haul international business travelers and at Los Angeles Global Airport, access to a private terminal.