Houston is poised to become a leader in the future of transportation. Through a new partnership between Wisk Aero and Houston Airports, the Greater Houston region is set to welcome a new era of urban air mobility.
Wisk Aero a leading developer of self-flying (autonomous) air taxi aircraft.
Houston Air Taxi Services
This collaboration focuses on bringing autonomous air taxis to Houston. Wisk’s 6th Generation electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft offer a quieter, sustainable alternative to traditional helicopters.
These state-of-the-art vehicles boast vertical takeoff and landing capabilities, transitioning to forward flight for efficient travel.
They prioritize safety, adhering to the highest aviation standards and incorporating human oversight for every flight.
Houston Mayor John Whitmire enthusiastically supports this public-private partnership and highlights its significance for the city.
Mayor Whitmire emphasized Houston’s commitment to pioneering advancements in sustainable and innovative air transportation.
Building the Infrastructure for Air Taxis
Over the next year, Houston Airports and Wisk will work together on several key areas:
- Infrastructure Development: Identifying and evaluating potential vertiport locations at key Houston airports, including George Bush Intercontinental, William P. Hobby, and Ellington Airport.
- Route Planning: Establishing efficient routes to connect passengers within the Greater Houston area.
- Community Engagement: Proactively involving the community throughout the planning process.
- Regulatory Collaboration: Continuing discussions with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to ensure safe integration of autonomous air taxis into the airspace.
Wisk’s Commitment to Houston
Wisk CEO Brian Yutko emphasizes the significance of this partnership for both Wisk and the region. He sees Houston as a leader not only in AAM but also in ushering in a new era of safe, autonomous flight in the United States.
This collaboration has the potential to revolutionize urban mobility, fostering economic growth and creating new opportunities within the Houston workforce.
The partnership outlines specific areas where each party will contribute their expertise:
- Houston Airports: focusing on integrating AAM into long-term plans.
This will involve fostering community engagement, and establishing operational policies for infrastructure permitting and noise management.
- Wisk Aero: providing technical expertise for autonomous eVTOL operations.
This includes infrastructure needs, training programs, ground procedures, and potential site expansion plans.
Both organizations will explore the possibility of establishing maintenance and training facilities within Houston.
Houston as an Aviation Hub
Jim Szczesniak, Director of Aviation for Houston Airports, underscores Houston’s rich history in aviation and aerospace innovation.
He views this partnership as a bold step towards transforming air mobility not just for Houston but for the entire region.
Houston’s position as a hub for business and progress makes it the ideal launchpad for autonomous air travel advancements.
The collaboration aligns with Houston Airports’ vision of creating a world-class air service gateway that celebrates the magic of flight.
About Wisk Aero
Wisk Aero is an industry leader in Advanced Air Mobility, dedicated to making everyday flight a reality for everyone.
Their self-flying eVTOL air taxis offer a time-saving alternative to traditional transportation, allowing passengers to bypass traffic congestion and reach their destinations faster.
Backed by over a decade of experience and more than 1700 test flights, Wisk is shaping the future of sustainable and safe urban transportation.
