Wisk Aero, an 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.
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.
Wisk Aero, a pioneer in the field of advanced air mobility (AAM), has marked a significant milestone in the greater Los Angeles area. The company, known for its innovative approach to electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) air taxi services, has taken the city by storm with its recent achievements and groundbreaking progress.
[monsterinsights_popular_posts_inline]
The Introduction of eVTOL
Wisk Aero, a pioneer in the field of advanced air mobility (AAM), has marked a significant milestone in the greater Los Angeles area.
This month, the company set a new standard as it became the first eVTOL air taxi company to take flight in the vibrant landscape of Los Angeles.
The company embarked on a series of test flights at Long Beach Airport, showcasing their capabilities and vision for the future of air mobility.
Autonomous Flight Operations
The test flights provided a unique opportunity for Wisk to conduct autonomous flight operations within a complex, real-world commercial airport environment.
These tests occurred alongside conventional passenger airline operations, highlighting the company’s adaptability and commitment to safe air travel.
A First for Los Angeles: Public Demonstration of eVTOL Air Taxi Flight
Wisk Aero, true to its innovative spirit, concluded its flight program at Long Beach Airport with the first-ever public demonstration of an eVTOL air taxi flight in the Los Angeles region.
This significant event took place during Long Beach’s Festival of Flight, leaving a lasting impression on the attendees.
The multi-transition flight showcased the prowess of Wisk’s fifth-generation autonomous eVTOL aircraft, known as “Cora.” This flight was a remarkable display of the safety and reality of autonomous passenger flights, marking a major step forward in the evolution of air travel.
Wisk Aero doesn’t just stop at remarkable flight demonstrations; they are committed to building partnerships and fostering discussions regarding the future of AAM.
The company recently hosted a high-profile discussion attended by the mayor of Long Beach, local and state officials from the Los Angeles region, including Orange County, and even representatives from Boeing.
A Vision for Autonomous Flight
Brian Yutko, CEO of Wisk Aero, emphasized the significance of this achievement, stating, “Autonomous flight is possible today, and it’s happening now in LA. 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—with an autonomous aircraft.”
Wisk’s journey 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).
This strategic partnership focuses on evaluating, planning, and implementing AAM in Long Beach as part of a broader regional network, with a strong emphasis on autonomous flight.
In a commitment to transparency and growth, Wisk sponsored research on the economic impact of AAM in the region.
This study was conducted by California State University, Long Beach, and its findings have culminated in a comprehensive report that sheds light on the benefits of AAM.
Mayor Rex Richardson Comments
The Mayor of Long Beach, Rex Richardson, expressed his optimism about the future of flight in the region. He stated, “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.”
Wisk Aero continued its quest for innovation in July 2023, completing the world’s first public demonstration of an autonomous eVTOL fixed-wing aircraft during EAA AirVenture in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.
This flight reinforced the safety and quiet efficiency of autonomous, all-electric air taxis and provided valuable insights for the company’s flight and operations team.
Click the banner to subscribe to our weekly newsleter.
