Flight trials integrate uncrewed aircraft into controlled airspace

A partnership of aviation leaders come together to demonstrate that uncrewed aircraft can be safely integrated into controlled airspace among piloted aircraft through multiple test flights.

A partnership of aviation leaders has successfully completed a first-of-its-kind trial, including a series of test flights aimed at evaluating the operational integration of uncrewed aircraft flying beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) into controlled airspace. The successful completion of these trial test flights in New Zealand demonstrates that safe, uncrewed flight operations are possible, today, in controlled airspace among other piloted aircraft.

Through this trial program, the partnership has established a safe process for uncrewed aircraft to access controlled airspace and created a significant new understanding and capability for commercial autonomous flight operations. The trials offer key insights for regulators and industry players globally to facilitate further testing and inform rule-making.

Led by Wisk Aero, the trials included the New Zealand Government and industry partners, including Insitu Pacific as the approved Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) operator, the Civil Aviation Authority of New Zealand (CAA) as the regulatory observer and Part 102 approver, Airways New Zealand as the air navigation service provider alongside Airways International’s uncrewed traffic management (UTM) system AirShare, and indigenous-led aerospace venture, Tāwhaki, providing the flight testing site.

The latest test flights were part of Wisk’s multi-phased testing programme under the New Zealand Government’s Airspace Integration Trial Programme (AITP). This latest phase of testing involved multiple flights that took place between November 17 and December 1, 2023, which demonstrated that a RPA can be operated under instrument flight rules (IFR) in controlled airspace and integrated with regular crewed traffic. The flights took place at the Tāwhaki National Aerospace Centre at Kaitorete, involving take-offs, landings, and uncontrolled and controlled airspace navigation.

“The successful completion of this phase of testing demonstrates that it is possible to safely integrate autonomous aircraft into controlled airspace that is shared with piloted aircraft,” said Catherine MacGowan, Wisk’s Vice President of APAC and Air Operations. “The processes, data, and learnings from these trial flights will help shape the future of Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) and the broader aviation industry.”

Wisk Aero expands AAM leadership in Los Angeles

Wisk Aero, a leading Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) company, has expanded its leadership in Los Angeles and the AAM industry with the region’s first public air taxi flights and discussions with local and city officials.

Wisk becomes first eVTOL air taxi company to conduct public flights in Los Angeles County, at Long Beach Airport, demonstrating the safety and reality of autonomous passenger flight

In October, Wisk became the first electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) air taxi company to fly in the greater Los Angeles Area with the launch of test flights at Long Beach Airport. The test flights provided the opportunity for Wisk to conduct autonomous flight operations in a complex, real-world commercial airport environment, alongside other passenger airline operations.

The company concluded its flight program at the Long Beach Airport with the first public demonstration of an eVTOL air taxi flight in the Los Angeles region during Long Beach’s Festival of Flight. The multi-transition flight was conducted using Wisk’s 5th Generation (Cora) autonomous, eVTOL aircraft, demonstrating the safety and reality of autonomous passenger flight.

In addition, the company also hosted the Mayor of Long Beach and local and state officials from the Los Angeles region, including Orange County, and Boeing leadership, for a discussion regarding the future of Advanced Air Mobility within the region.

“Autonomous flight is possible today and it’s happening now in LA,” said Brian Yutko, CEO of Wisk. “Los Angeles is a target launch city for many in our industry and we are extremely proud to be the first air taxi company to fly in LA - and to have done so with an autonomous aircraft. We are fortunate to have the partnership and support of Boeing throughout the area to help build relationships and advance our mission. We are thankful to Long Beach for their ongoing partnership and support as we make safe, every day, autonomous flight a reality for Southern California, and the world.”

Wisk’s flight tests and public demonstration add to the company’s long-standing flight test program, which includes 1700+ test flights, and builds on its previous public demonstrations in Oshkosh, WI

Wisk’s leadership in the Los Angeles Metropolitan Area began in 2022 when the company announced a partnership with Long Beach through the city’s Long Beach Economic Partnership (LBEP). The partnership is focused on evaluating, planning, and implementing AAM in Long Beach as part of a broader regional network, with a focus on autonomous flight. Most recently, Wisk sponsored research on the economic impact of AAM for the region, which was conducted by California State University, Long Beach, and resulted in a report (found here).

“I am proud to see the future of flight becoming a reality in Long Beach,” said Mayor Rex Richardson. “Long Beach has been a leader in aviation for decades and those careers helped build and sustain the middle class here for generations. I am looking forward to working with Wisk and Boeing to create good jobs and integrating a safe, quiet, and environmentally responsible transportation option in Long Beach.”

In July of 2023, Wisk completed the world’s first public demonstration of an autonomous eVTOL fixed-wing aircraft during EAA AirVenture in Oshkosh, WI. The flight demonstrated that autonomous, all-electric air taxis are both safe and quiet, and provided value and learnings for the company’s flight and operations team.

Wisk Aero celebrates the first-ever public demonstration flight at EAA AirVenture

The Boeing subsidiary firm Wisk Aero has successfully completed the world’s first public demonstration flight of a fully autonomous, electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL), fixed-wing air taxi!

This milestone flight took place at EAA AirVenture, which also marked the company’s first public demonstration of its 5th Generation autonomous, eVTOL technology demonstrator (Cora). Wisk completed a multi-transition flight, during which the air taxi transitioned from hover to wing-borne flight four times. The flight also included multiple manoeuvres that demonstrated the unique capabilities of the aircraft, such as hover, 360-degree turns in place, and more. Video footage of the flight can be found on Wisk’s YouTube channel.

“We’re proud to demonstrate the autonomous technology behind our self-flying first approach,” said Brian Yutko, CEO of Wisk. “This demonstration showcases the state of readiness for autonomous technology and electric propulsion. Combined with the progress we’re making on Type Certification for our 6th Generation air taxi, we’re proving that autonomy is possible and it’s happening today. We look forward to launching the first passenger service on an all-electric, autonomous air taxi within this decade.”

“We are thrilled to be able to share 13+ years of aviation milestones and now another first with the public. Oshkosh is a particularly fitting milestone venue as it embodies the spirit of passion and innovation at Wisk. We’ve shared something that is really special. For the first time, we have publicly demonstrated fully autonomous flight, conducted by an all-electric, fly-by-wire, vertical takeoff and landing aircraft. There was no pilot on board, no pilot controls in the aircraft, and no stick-and-rudder on the ground. The entire flight was operated with the push of a button,” said Jim Tighe, Chief Technology Officer at Wisk.

Wisk Aero and Japan Airlines working together to bring autonomous everyday flight to Japan

Wisk Aero, an advanced air mobility company and Japan Airlines are working together to bring Wisk’s self-flying, all-electric air taxi services to Japan. The two firms will also work together on plans for the maintenance and operation of Wisk’s autonomous air taxis.

“We are excited to be partnering with Japan Airlines, a highly-respected leader in aviation both in Japan and globally,” says Brian Yutko, CEO of Wisk. “Wisk and Japan Airlines share a commitment to safe, accessible transportation and to ensuring that our services provide long-term benefits to the communities that we serve. We look forward to working together to bring autonomous everyday flight to Japan and to further advancing Advanced Air Mobility in the broader APAC region.”

“We are very honoured to partner with Wisk, a pioneer in autonomous eVTOL aircraft development. In Japan, the introduction of autonomous air travel is developing and we strongly feel that this partnership with Wisk is the first step towards the development of the next generation of safe air mobility in Japan,” says Ryo Tamura, CEO of JALEC.

A memorandum of understanding (MOU) has been signed that establishes a framework for collaboration between the two companies, as well as between the two companies and the Japanese Civil Aviation Bureau (JCAB), and other relevant Japanese Government agencies. This will include careful consideration of regulatory requirements, safety measures, and how the community can benefit from advanced air mobility through the use of Wisk’s 6th Generation self-flying, electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft.

Specifically, the MOU establishes a framework for:

Research towards launching fleet operations for Wisk’s 6th Generation taxi, including:

Type certification approval in Japan

Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul requirements

Supporting discussion with the Japanese Civil Aviation Bureau (JCAB) and relevant Japanese Government agencies, as appropriate, on the establishment of a Wisk operation under an Air Operators Certificate in Japan in the future

Development of a path to a demonstration flight in Japan

Introduction of autonomous aircraft into the Japanese national airspace system

“We are thrilled to be announcing this new partnership with Japan Airlines, a partner that so closely shares our values,” says Catherine MacGowan, Wisk’s APAC Regional Director. “Japan represents a large, densely populated market where air taxi services can provide a real, positive impact for local communities. We look forward to further pursuing the potential introduction of our self-flying, all-electric air taxis in Japan, and are encouraged by the growing interest within the broader APAC region for these types of services.”

Japan Airlines and Wisk share a commitment to safety, sustainability, and responsibility. This partnership represents the joining of these shared values to develop an enduring approach to the introduction of future autonomous air taxi operations that are part of the future integrated transportation layer in Japan.

Wisk Aero has selected Dr. Brian Yutko as the new Chief Executive Officer, effective February 1, 2023 when Gary Gysin retires

Wisk Aero has selected Dr Brian Yutko as the new Chief Executive Officer, effective February 1, 2023, when Gary Gysin retires.

“On behalf of Wisk’s board, employees, and the broader advanced air mobility industry, I want to thank Gary for his dedication, commitment, and leadership since Wisk’s founding in 2019,” said Brian Schettler, Chairman of Wisk’s Board. “Gary’s authenticity, execution, and vision have established Wisk as a leader in advanced air mobility, built trust among the broader public, and advanced the industry as a whole.”

Schettler added, “We are excited to welcome Brian Yutko as Wisk’s new CEO. To date, Brian has already been instrumental to Wisk’s success - from helping to secure additional resources for Wisk from within Boeing, to championing the Concept of Operations, developed by the two companies. Brian’s deep expertise in aviation and passion for autonomy, as well as his existing familiarity with Wisk, will enable a smooth transition and allow Wisk to maintain its development timelines and trajectory within the industry with minimal disruption.”

Following an executive search process, Yutko was selected to join Wisk as the new CEO based on his experience with eVTOL aircraft and autonomous technology and his passion for Wisk’s vision. As a Board member, Yutko has developed a deep familiarity with Wisk, the company’s strategy, the Generation 6 program, and the company’s long-term goals. Yutko’s relationships, respect, and trust within the industry will help Wisk fulfil its commitment to bringing the first self-flying, eVTOL air taxi to the US. Yutko was selected by a unanimous Board vote

Wisk Unveils World’s First Self-Flying, Four-Seat, All-Electric, Vertical Takeoff and Landing Air Taxi

Wisk Aero, a leading Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) company and pioneer in autonomous, electric flight, today revealed the world’s first self-flying, all-electric, four-passenger vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) air taxi. As Wisk’s go-to-market aircraft, Generation 6 represents the first-ever candidate for type certification by the FAA of an autonomous eVTOL.

Wisk’s 6th Generation air taxi - the most advanced in the world - is designed to meet and exceed rigorous commercial safety standards, making it one of the safest systems in aviation

Generation 6 represents the first-ever candidate for FAA certification of an autonomous, passenger-carrying eVTOL air taxi

Autonomous flight with human oversight, industry-leading accessibility design, and an environmentally-conscious approach makes Wisk’s 6th Generation air taxi accessible, affordable, and sustainable

The most advanced air taxi in the world, Generation 6 combines industry-leading autonomous technology and software, human oversight of every flight, and an overall simplified design to deliver one of the safest passenger transport systems in commercial aviation.

“In 2010, we set out to find a way to skip traffic and get to our destination faster,” said Gary Gysin, CEO of Wisk. “That inspiration evolved into a mission to deliver safe, everyday flight for everyone. Over the past 12 years, we’ve pursued that mission through the development of five different generations of full-scale aircraft. Our 6th Generation aircraft is the culmination of years of hard work from our industry-leading team, learnings from our previous generations of aircraft, commitment from our investors, and the evolution and advancement of technology.”

Wisk is fortunate to be backed by two aviation leaders, The Boeing Company and Kitty Hawk Corporation. Additionally, through its strategic partnership with Boeing, Wisk has a competitive advantage leveraging 100+ years of Boeing expertise in aircraft development, scale manufacturing, and certification. In addition, Boeing’s eVTOL and autonomy engineering resources help further advance Wisk’s development.

With this aircraft, Wisk will redefine long-standing concepts of flight and usher in a safer, scalable, and more accessible era in aviation. Wisk’s newest aircraft will set the standard for the air taxi market and the future of travel by leveraging:

A Safety-First Approach

Through a multifaceted approach - including autonomous flight with human oversight, a simplified design with fewer moving parts, fully redundant systems, and no single point of failure - Wisk’s aircraft is being designed to exceed today’s rigorous aviation safety standards of a one-in-a-billion chance of an accident.

Autonomous Flight with Human Oversight

Wisk is one of the only AAM companies to pursue a self-flying first approach. This approach is core to the company’s overall strategy and is most importantly a critical element in bringing one of the safest systems to market in aviation. It is also the key to unlocking the scale and the full potential for the broader AAM industry. Wisk’s multi-faceted self-flying first approach includes:

Wisk Aero to bring advanced air mobility to Australia with Queensland Local Government

Photo Wisk Aero

Wisk expands global presence with the addition of Australia-based personnel

Memorandum of Understanding with the Council of Mayors South East Queensland will see the two organizations working in partnership to support the rollout of accessible, autonomous, and sustainable flight in the region.

After New Zealand, South East Queensland is the next step for the introduction of autonomous air taxi services and the further expansion of Wisk into Australia and the Asia Pacific region.

Photo Wisk Aero

Wisk Aero, a leading Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) company and developer of the first all-electric, self-flying air taxi in the U.S., is bringing the future of flight to Australia through a new partnership with the Council of Mayors South East Queensland (“Council of Mayors”). In addition to this new partnership, the company will also be expanding its physical presence in the country, with the addition of Australia-based personnel.

Wisk’s entry into Australia is driven by a Memorandum of Understanding with the Council of Mayors, which will see the two organizations working together to introduce safe, sustainable, and scalable, autonomous air taxi service to South East Queensland.

Gary Gysin, Chief Executive Officer of Wisk, said: “We are proud to engage with forward-thinking local leaders, like the Council of Mayors, to advance the introduction of AAM and benefit not only Wisk, but local communities and the industry as a whole. This is an exciting time for us, as we continue our momentum and expand our global presence. We look forward to building on the strong relationships we have in Australia to make safe, all-electric, autonomous flight a reality.”

The Council of Mayors Chair, Brisbane Lord Mayor Cr Adrian Schrinner, said the MOU would support engagement with the region’s Councils on the introduction of the Autonomous Air Mobility industry, including operators like Wisk, into South East Queensland. He said South East Queensland offered a mix of rural, beach, and city landscapes making it the perfect location to trial and launch new and innovative industries.

Wisk intends for its presence in Queensland to be long-term, and will be working with local government toward providing the city with green tourism and transport options. The company will also be displaying its 5th generation aircraft in Brisbane in July.

Lord Mayor Cr Adrian Schrinner, said: “Strong collaboration between our Councils is critical to ensure the industry understands the needs of our communities. It also enables our Councils to support, wherever possible, a consistent and collaborative approach to things like planning and regulation that will be critical to investment and rollout across our region. Council of Mayors kickstarted our Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games journey because we knew it would attract global businesses and innovative industries to our region, bringing with it new jobs and new economic opportunities. On the back of the Brisbane 2032 Games, we’re delighted to be working with Wisk to look at how South East Queensland can capitalise off the new jobs and economic opportunities associated with this new and exciting industry. We expect to see the emergence of advanced air technology in places like Paris and Los Angeles, and by 2032 I’d love to see it supporting new and innovative experiences for tourism and travel in South East Queensland.”