Wisk Aero and Signature Aviation have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to work together on infrastructure and operational planning for autonomous Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) services.
Wisk develops autonomous, all-electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. Meanwhile, Signature Aviation operates a global network of private aviation terminals, including facilities in Houston, Los Angeles and Miami, which are markets identified by Wisk for potential US launch operations.
The agreement covers joint planning to assess possible sites for vertiports suitable for Wisk’s autonomous aircraft. This will involve examining commercial, financial, regulatory, technical and operational factors.
The first project under the MoU is underway at Signature Aviation’s location at Ellington Airport in Houston, Texas. The work there includes concept development for vertiports, identifying potential layouts, operational processes and infrastructure needs. Planning will take into account Wisk’s Generation 6 aircraft and passenger handling requirements.
The partnership is intended to provide a framework for possible future commercial agreements. The Ellington project also expands Wisk’s work in Texas, which includes cooperation with the Houston Airport System and the City of Sugar Land.
Dan Dalton, VP of Global Partnerships at Wisk said:We are very excited to collaborate with Signature Aviation to pioneer the future of autonomous flight. As the world’s largest network of private aviation terminals, Signature’s forward-leaning approach to aviation modernisation aligns with our vision. Together, we’re building the robust infrastructure and integrated network essential for safe, scaled operations, starting with our focused efforts at Ellington. This collaboration represents a critical pathway toward bringing autonomous air travel to communities.
Wisk and Signature Aviation state that their aim is to develop a safe, efficient and commercially practical framework for autonomous AAM services that can be applied across multiple locations.
Derek DeCross, Chief Commercial Officer, Signature Aviation said:Our partnership with Wisk highlights another significant step in our continued innovation and dedicated sustainability leadership within aviation. Advanced air mobility represents a transformative opportunity to shape the future of our industry and together with Wisk, we are proactively exploring the infrastructure and strategic planning necessary to expand our exceptional, forward-thinking guest experience across our network in the future.
