Wisk has become the first electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) air taxi company to conduct public flight testing in Los Angeles County.
Earlier this month, the company launched test flights at Long Beach Airport using its 5th generation autonomous eVTOL aircraft: Cora.
This programme provided the opportunity to test flight operations in a complex, real-world commercial airport environment alongside other airlines and passengers.
Wisk’s flight test programme at Long Beach Aiport concluded with the first public demonstration of an eVTOL air taxi flight in the Los Angeles region as part of the Long Beach Festival of Flight.
The company also met with the Mayor of Long Beach, local and state officials and Boeing leadership to discuss the future of Advanced Air Mobility within the region.
Brian Yutko, CEO of Wisk said:Autonomous flight is possible today and it’s happening now in LA. Los Angeles is a target launch city for many in our industry and we are extremely proud to be the first air taxi company to fly in LA – and to have done so with an autonomous aircraft.
We are fortunate to have the partnership and support of Boeing throughout the area to help build relationships and advance our mission. We are thankful to Long Beach for their ongoing partnership and support as we make safe, everyday, autonomous flight a reality for Southern California, and the world.
Wisk commenced its partnership with Long Beach in 2022 through the city’s Long Beach Economic Partnership (LBEP). This partnership aims to implement AAM in Long Beach as part of a wider regional network.
Most recently, Wisk sponsored research on the economic impact of AAM for the region. This research was conducted by California State University, Long Beach.
Mayor Rex Richardson saidI am proud to see the future of flight becoming a reality in Long Beach. Long Beach has been a leader in aviation for decades and those careers helped build and sustain the middle class here for generations. I am looking forward to working with Wisk and Boeing to create good jobs and integrating a safe, quiet, and environmentally responsible transportation option in Long Beach.
