Wisk Aero and Houston Airports partner to bring autonomous air taxis to the Greater Houston area

• Partnership to identify and evaluate locations for the development of vertiport infrastructure for autonomous 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 connecting the Greater Houston area to Houston airports.

• This agreement reinforces Wisk’s commitment to bringing AAM to the Greater Houston area and expands its existing partnership with the City of Sugar Land.

MOUNTAIN VIEW, California and HOUSTON, June 17, 2024–(BUSINESS WIRE)–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 introduce a new form of air transportation to an important region of Texas.

As part of this collaboration, Wisk will partner with Houston Airports to identify and evaluate 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 entirely electric, have no combustion engine and are significantly quieter than helicopters. These aircraft are built to meet or exceed commercial aviation safety levels, the highest possible aviation standard. Although Wisk’s Generation 6 aircraft is autonomous, a human supervisor on the ground oversees each flight.

“During my tenure 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. “This collaboration underscores our commitment to pioneering advances 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 build community partnerships, while continuing conversations with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Earlier this year, Wisk partnered with the city of Sugar Land to bring autonomous air taxis to the Greater Houston area.

“Our partnership with Houston Airports solidifies Wisk’s commitment to creating new and efficient transportation in the Greater Houston area, and strengthens our relationships with the region’s infrastructure and regulatory partners. Texas is quickly becoming a leader not only in AAM, but also in pioneering safe, autonomous flight here in the United States. said Brian Yutko, CEO of Wisk. “Connecting suburbs to Houston’s airports, business centers and major tourist destinations through autonomous, sustainable air transportation will create a new form of urban mobility and have enormous impacts on the economy and workforce work, supporting the growth of the Houston region.

The story continues

Houston Airports and Wisk will engage in projects to advance the partnership’s overarching goal:

• Houston Airports will focus on integrating AAM into its long-range plans, promoting community engagement and establishing operational policies, such as infrastructure permitting and noise levels .

• Wisk will provide expertise on the technical needs of autonomous eVTOL operations, including infrastructure, training, ground operational procedures and plans for potential site expansion.

• Together, the two organizations will explore the possibility of integrating maintenance and training facilities in Houston.

“Houston is at the forefront of aviation and aerospace innovation, so it is only fitting that Houston Airports take the first steps in exploring the next generation of air travel,” said Jim Szczesniak, director of aviation for Houston airports. “Our partnership with Wisk represents a bold step toward revolutionizing air mobility not only within our city, but throughout the Greater Houston area. As a hub of business and progress, Houston is the ideal starting point for advancements in autonomous air transportation, as the ideas, infrastructure and innovation will 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 bringing safe daily flights to everyone. Wisk’s eVTOL (electric vertical takeoff and landing) autonomous air taxi will allow passengers to avoid traffic and get to their destination faster. Wisk is a wholly owned subsidiary of Boeing headquartered in the San Francisco Bay Area with locations worldwide. With over a decade of experience and over 1,700 test flights, Wisk is shaping the future of daily commuting and urban travel, safely and sustainably. Learn more about Wisk here.

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Contacts

Madeleine Finnegan
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