Wisk Aero and Houston Airports Partner to Bring Autonomous Air Taxis to Greater Houston
Wisk Aero, a leading Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) company and Houston Airports have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to introduce autonomous air taxis to Greater Houston. This strategic collaboration aims to revolutionize urban mobility by identifying potential vertiport sites, developing necessary infrastructure and routes, and engaging with the community to bring this innovative and sustainable form of transportation to the region.
Under the terms of the MOU, Wisk and Houston Airports will work together over the next 12 months to lay the groundwork for this ambitious project while continuing discussions with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Houston Airports will focus on integrating AAM into its long-term plans, championing community engagement, and establishing operational policies such as infrastructure permitting and noise levels. Wisk will contribute its expertise to the technical needs for autonomous eVTOL (electric vertical takeoff and landing) operations, including infrastructure, training, ground operational procedures, and plans for potential site expansion.
The two organizations will also explore possibly incorporating maintenance and training facilities in Houston, further strengthening the city's position as a hub for this cutting-edge technology. This partnership marks a significant step forward for the City of Houston as it invests in innovative and sustainable modes of air transportation, underscoring its commitment to pioneering advancements that will shape the future of urban mobility.
Vertiport Infrastructure Development
As part of the agreement, Wisk will collaborate with Houston Airports to identify and evaluate potential sites for the development of vertiport infrastructure at George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), William P. Hobby Airport (HOU), and Ellington Airport (EFD). The partnership also involves:
- Exploring the possibility of incorporating maintenance and training facilities in Houston
- Developing infrastructure and routes over the next 12 months while continuing discussions with the FAA
- Engaging the community to introduce this new form of sustainable transportation to the region
Houston Mayor John Whitmire supported the partnership, stating it represents a significant milestone for the City of Houston as it invests in innovative and sustainable air transportation modes.
Wisk's 6th Generation Aircraft
Wisk's 6th Generation Aircraft
Wisk's 6th Generation aircraft is designed to revolutionize urban air mobility with its advanced features and autonomous capabilities:
- The aircraft takes off and lands vertically like a helicopter before transitioning to forward flight.
- It is fully electric and does not have combustion engines, making it significantly less noisy than helicopters.
- The aircraft is being built to meet or exceed the highest possible aviation safety standards, which are commercial aviation safety levels.
- While the Generation 6 aircraft is autonomous, every flight is overseen by a human supervisor on the ground.
- The aircraft can carry up to four passengers on flights around urban areas like Houston.
Wisk's CEO Brian Yutko stated, "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." The partnership with Houston Airports aims to bring these innovative aircraft to the Greater Houston area, revolutionizing transportation and urban mobility in the region.
Economic and Urban Mobility Impact
The partnership between Wisk Aero and Houston Airports is expected to have a significant economic and workforce impact, supporting the growth of the Houston region. 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. Brian Yutko, CEO at Wisk, emphasized that this collaboration solidifies Wisk's dedication to creating new and efficient ways to travel within the Greater Houston area and strengthens its relationship with infrastructure and regulatory partners in the region.
Community Engagement and Public Outreach Initiatives
Wisk and Houston Airports recognize the importance of community engagement and public outreach in successfully integrating Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) operations. As part of their collaboration, they plan to conduct community outreach campaigns to educate and influence the public, policymakers, and non-AAM industry stakeholders on AAM's impacts and potential economic benefits. Wisk has previously partnered with the City of Long Beach, establishing working groups with key industry members, city representatives, and other stakeholders to clarify expectations and identify requirements for successful AAM implementation. The FAA also routinely engages the public through Community Engagement initiatives to understand specific challenges and propose solutions to alleviate concerns related to airport operations, airspace procedures, aviation infrastructure, and technology changes.
Partnership Advances Air Mobility
As Texas rapidly becomes a leader in AAM and autonomous flight, this partnership is expected to have substantial economic and workforce impacts, benefiting residents, tourists, and the business community while shaping the future of urban mobility in the region.
The partnership between Wisk Aero and Houston Airports represents a significant step forward in advancing Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) in Greater Houston. By collaborating on vertiport infrastructure development, route planning, and community engagement, Wisk and Houston Airports aim to revolutionize urban transportation with safe, sustainable, and autonomous air taxis. This strategic collaboration aligns with Houston's vision of being at the forefront of aviation and aerospace innovation, positioning the city as an ideal starting point for advancements in autonomous air travel.