Wisk and Airservices Australia Team Up to Introduce Autonomous Air Taxis in Australian Skies

Wisk Aero, a pioneer in advanced air mobility (AAM), has teamed up with Airservices Australia to investigate how autonomous air taxis and other electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft can operate safely in Australia’s airspace.

This partnership is part of Wisk’s broader objective to introduce its four-seater, self-flying air taxi in Australia before the 2032 Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The collaboration, cemented through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), establishes a framework for integrating autonomous air mobility into the national airspace of the country.

Wisk Aero’s eVTOL, unveiled in September 2022, is the world’s first self-flying, all-electric air taxi aimed at transforming urban transportation.

The MoU details a strategy to assess how uncrewed and remotely supervised aircraft can integrate into existing air traffic management systems through workshops, simulations, and trials.

Additionally, the partnership will leverage knowledge-sharing initiatives to promote collaboration.

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Airservices Australia is also developing a Flight Information Management System (FIMS) to help facilitate the introduction of these advanced aircraft, including Wisk’s autonomous taxis, in a safe and efficient manner.

Rob Sharp, interim CEO of Airservices Australia, expressed that the partnership will help both entities grasp the industry’s requirements while ensuring safety as advanced air mobility becomes a reality in Australia.

Southeast Queensland, revered for its diverse landscapes encompassing urban, rural, and coastal settings, is viewed as an ideal testbed for autonomous air taxis.

Wisk Aero’s dedication to Australia as a pivotal market has been underscored by its numerous partnerships.

In 2022, it inked an MoU with the Council of Mayors in South East Queensland, Australia’s most extensive regional local government advocacy organization.

Wisk is also collaborating with Skyports Infrastructure to establish a network for its air taxis in preparation for the 2032 Brisbane Olympics. These partnerships and the establishment of Wisk Australia Pty Ltd exemplify the company’s ambition to lead the market in this region.

Catherine MacGowan, Wisk’s Vice President of APAC and Air Operations, commended Australia’s legacy of aviation innovation and its conducive environment for testing such advanced technologies.

“Australia has a history of aviation innovation and a vision for the future that includes advanced air mobility,” said MacGowan.

“We’re thankful to share that vision with Airservices and contribute to an air traffic system that caters to the needs of AAM services, enabling us to bring safe, efficient air travel to communities in this region.”

Wisk’s establishment in Australia has received support from Austrade, which played a pivotal role in connecting the company with crucial government bodies like the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) and Airservices Australia.

Austrade also facilitated Wisk’s market entry by providing advisory guidance, connections, and invitations to significant industry events.