The other day, the city was introduced to a new project: an air cab. Last week, Transcend Air Corporation announced the development of a six-seat, vertical takeoff and landing aircraft that will transport passengers between major cities at a whopping 400 miles per hour! That means it would take half an hour to get from New York to Boston.
However, such flying cabs will not appear soon – they are planned to be launched in 2024. CEO Greg Bruehl said, “This inter-city transportation option solves several problems at once: we relieve roadways, reduce pollution around airports and reduce the cost of air travel, as well as significantly reduce travel time. With this new aircraft, you can travel from New York to Boston in 36 minutes, from Los Angeles to San Francisco in just 55 minutes, and from Montreal to Toronto in 60 minutes.
And until they launch a flying cab, you can opt for a helicopter ride to enjoy the views of the city from above. There are many companies in New York offering helicopter rides at an average price of $200-250 for a 15 minute flight. If you fly out of New Jersey, it is cheaper. When choosing a company for the trip, find out if there is an additional fee for using the helipad – from $25 to $40 per person. You can also look for discounts and promotions online – they happen quite often. Here are a few examples of tours with descriptions.
Big Apple Helicopter Tour of New York
This 15-minute helicopter tour will take you over the Statue of Liberty, Chrysler Building, One World Trade Center and Central Park. During the ride, the pilot will also be your guide and tell you about all the iconic sights. The helicopter tour begins near Battery Park, downtown at the helipad. First you will fly over Lower Manhattan, looking at the World Trade Center and the Statue of Liberty. Then continue north along Manhattan Island to see the Brooklyn Bridge and Midtown for views of the Empire State Building, the New York Times Building and the Chrysler Building. Fly over Central Park and head back to the heliport in Lower Manhattan. Please note: You must call after booking to reserve your preferred time. The cost of the flight is $215.
Manhattan Sky Tour: New York Helicopter Flight
This ride also lasts about 12-15 minutes. It starts from Pier 6 in Downtown Manhattan. As you take off, you will view Governor’s Island, Ground Zero, the Statue of Liberty, and New York’s Grand Harbor. Then fly over the USS Intrepid, a World War II aircraft carrier that now houses a museum. Head back along the Hudson River, viewing the Chrysler Building, the Met Life Building, and the Empire State Building. Back in the city harbor, you’ll fly over Ellis Island, which once welcomed millions of immigrants who came in search of a better life in the U.S. And consider Battery Park, the Federal Reserve Bank and the New York Stock Exchange. The cost of the trip is $209 and parking at the heliport is charged separately at $40 per person.
New York City Scenic Helicopter Flight
The most budget-friendly option for the trip. The 13- to 15-minute flight over New York City will begin at Kearny Heliport in New Jersey, just 10 minutes from the Lincoln Tunnel. You’ll fly over Liberty Satue and Ellis Island. Next fly over Lower Manhattan, see One World Observatory, Battery Park and South Street Seaport. Fly over three amazing bridges on the East River: the Brooklyn Bridge, the Manhattan Bridge and the Williamsburg Bridge. And you’ll return by flying over Brooklyn and Staten Island. The trip is as budget-friendly as possible at $159, plus $25 to rent a helipad. Prices are for one person.
