Wisk Aero and Houston Airports Partner to Bring Autonomous Air Taxis to the Greater Houston Region
June 17 2024 - 9:30AM
Business Wire
- Partnership to identify and assess locations for development
of vertiport infrastructure for self-flying taxis at Bush, Hobby
and Ellington airports
- The two organizations will explore potential maintenance and
training facilities in Houston and engage local and regional
stakeholders to develop routes that connect the Greater Houston
region to Houston Airports
- This agreement advances Wisk’s commitment to bringing AAM to
the Greater Houston Region and expands on its existing partnership
with the city of Sugar Land
Wisk Aero, a leading Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) company, and
Houston Airports, have established a Memorandum of Understanding to
bring autonomous air taxis to Greater Houston. The agreement
supports the strategic planning efforts needed to bring a new form
of air transportation to an important region within Texas.
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Wisk Aero and Houston Airports Partner to
Bring Autonomous Air Taxis to the Greater Houston Region (Graphic:
Business Wire)
As part of this collaboration, Wisk will partner with Houston
Airports to identify and assess potential locations for the
development of vertiport infrastructure at George Bush
Intercontinental Airport (IAH), William P. Hobby Airport (HOU), and
Ellington Airport (EFD).
Wisk’s 6th Generation aircraft takes off and lands vertically
like a helicopter before transitioning to forward flight. They are
fully electric, don't have combustion engines, and are
significantly less noisy than helicopters. These aircraft are being
built to meet or exceed commercial aviation levels of safety, the
highest possible aviation standard. While Wisk’s Generation 6
aircraft is autonomous, a human supervisor on the ground oversees
every flight.
“During my time in the Texas senate, I voted for legislation
supporting advanced air mobility. This public-private partnership
marks a significant step forward for the City of Houston as we
invest in innovative and sustainable modes of air transportation,”
said Houston Mayor John Whitmire. “The collaboration underscores
our commitment to pioneer advancements that will shape the future
of urban mobility.”
Over the next 12 months, Houston Airports and Wisk will work
together to develop infrastructure, routes, and partner with the
community, while continuing conversations with the Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA). Earlier this year Wisk entered into a
partnership with the City of Sugar Land to bring autonomous air
taxis to the Greater Houston Region.
“Our partnership with Houston Airports solidifies Wisk’s
commitment to creating new and efficient ways to travel within the
Greater Houston area, and furthers our relationship with
infrastructure and regulatory partners in the region. Texas is
quickly becoming a leader not only in AAM, but in ushering in safe,
autonomous flight here in the United States.” said Brian Yutko, CEO
at Wisk. “Connecting suburbs to Houston’s airports, business
centers and prime tourist destinations through autonomous,
sustainable air travel will create a new form of urban mobility and
have tremendous economic and workforce impacts, supporting the
growth of the Houston region.”
Houston Airports and Wisk will engage in projects to advance the
overarching goal of the partnership:
- Houston Airports will focus on integrating AAM into its
long-term plans, championing community engagement, and establishing
operational policy, such as infrastructure permitting and noise
levels.
- Wisk will provide expertise on technical needs for autonomous
eVTOL operations, including infrastructure, training, ground
operational procedures, and plans for potential site
expansion.
- Together, the two organizations will explore incorporating
maintenance and training facilities in Houston
"Houston is at the forefront of aviation and aerospace
innovation, so it’s only fitting that Houston Airports take the
first steps to explore the next generation of air transportation,”
said Jim Szczesniak, Director of Aviation for Houston Airports.
“Our partnership with Wisk represents a bold step towards
revolutionizing air mobility not just within our city, but across
the entire Greater Houston region. As a hub of business and
progress, Houston is the ideal starting point for advancements in
autonomous air travel, as the ideas, infrastructure and innovation
stand to benefit residents, tourists and the business community.
This collaboration with Wisk aligns with our vision to create a
5-Star global air service gateway where the magic of flight is
celebrated.”
About Wisk
Wisk is an Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) company dedicated to
delivering safe, everyday flight for everyone. Wisk’s self-flying,
eVTOL (electric vertical takeoff and landing) air taxi will make it
possible for passengers to skip the traffic and get to their
destination faster. Wisk is a fully-owned Boeing subsidiary and is
headquartered in the San Francisco Bay Area, with locations around
the world. With over a decade of experience and over 1700+ test
flights, Wisk is shaping the future of daily commutes and urban
travel, safely and sustainably. Learn more about Wisk here.
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Madeleine Finnegan Communications Lead Media@wisk.aero