The present invention relates to a composite blade (24; 24') for a modular axial flow fan (20), the blade comprising a tip (24-1) a root end (24-2) opposite the tip, wherein a blade length (L) is defined between the root end and the tip a mounting pad (30) located adjacent to the root end, a working portion (34) adjoining the tip, wherein the working portion defines an aerodynamic profile, a transition zone (32) between the mounting pad and the working portion; and a reinforcement skin localized about the root end along the blade length, wherein the reinforcement skin extends through the mounting pad and the transition zone and into the working portion.