Wisk Aero, a pioneer in Advanced Air Mobility (AAM), has partnered with Airservices Australia to integrate autonomous air taxis into Australian airspace. This collaboration marks a significant step towards introducing safe, self-flying air travel in the country.
Australia plays a crucial role in Wisk’s development plans. In 2022, Wisk joined forces with the Council of Mayors (SEQ) and expanded its partnership with Skyports Infrastructure.
These alliances aim to establish an Entry-into-Service (EIS) network for Wisk’s autonomous aircraft before the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. To spearhead these efforts, Wisk has set up Wisk Australia Pty Ltd.
The agreement with Airservices Australia reinforces Wisk’s commitment to the region. It ensures that essential airspace integration systems will be in place before Wisk enters the market. The partnership focuses on: Assessing ways to incorporate autonomous air mobility networks in Australia. Exploring integration of uncrewed, remotely supervised aircraft into national airspace, Identifying potential projects and discussing challenges and opportunities, Sharing knowledge to enhance practices related to autonomous air mobility networks.
The collaboration will involve workshops and simulations to understand how AAM systems can integrate with Airservices’ infrastructure. Catherine MacGowan, Wisk’s VP of APAC and Air Operations, said, Australia has a rich aviation history and a forward-thinking approach to advanced air mobility.We’re excited to work with Airservices to develop an air traffic system that accommodates AAM services, bringing safe and efficient air travel to local communities.
Airservices Australia’s leadership in airspace reform, including plans for a Flight Information Management System (FIMS), enhances this partnership. The development of FIMS is seen as a critical step in enhancing overall aviation safety.
It facilitates the seamless integration of AAM into existing airspace. This integrated approach is essential for ensuring the safe and efficient operation of all airspace users. This will cover both traditional aircraft and the emerging autonomous vehicles.
Wisk Australia will work closely with Airservices to explore airspace procedures for autonomous aircraft, digital flight approvals, and time-based operations. They’ll also examine how these procedures will function within new vertiport environments. This collaboration aims to set standards for safely integrating AAM into the national airspace system.
Rob Sharp, Interim CEO of Airservices Australia, also gave comment. This knowledge-sharing arrangement will help both organizations understand industry needs and challenges, and develop strategies for safe and sustainable use of Australian airspace.
Wisk is an AAM company focused on delivering safe, everyday flight for everyone. Their self-flying, eVTOL air taxi is the first candidate for FAA certification of a passenger-carrying autonomous aircraft. As a Boeing subsidiary, Wisk is headquartered in the San Francisco Bay Area with global operations.
