Wisk Aero, a leader in advanced air mobility (AAM), has partnered with Airservices Australia to explore the safe operation of autonomous air taxis and other electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft in Australia’s airspace. This collaboration is part of Wisk’s larger goal of launching its four-seater, self-flying air taxi in Australia before the 2032 Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games. The partnership, solidified through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), establishes a framework for integrating autonomous air mobility into the country’s national airspace.
Wisk Aero’s eVTOL, introduced in September 2022, is the world’s first self-flying, all-electric air taxi designed to revolutionize urban transportation. The MoU outlines a strategy to assess how uncrewed and remotely supervised aircraft can be integrated into existing air traffic management systems through workshops, simulations, and trials. Additionally, knowledge-sharing initiatives will promote collaboration.
Airservices Australia is also developing a Flight Information Management System (FIMS) to facilitate the introduction of these advanced aircraft safely and efficiently. Rob Sharp, interim CEO of Airservices Australia, stated that this partnership would help both organizations understand industry needs while ensuring safety as advanced air mobility becomes a reality in Australia.
Southeast Queensland is considered an ideal testing ground for autonomous air taxis due to its diverse landscapes encompassing urban areas as well as rural and coastal environments. Wisk Aero has demonstrated its commitment to the Australian market through various partnerships. In 2022, it signed an MoU with the Council of Mayors in South East Queensland—the largest regional local government advocacy organization in Australia. Wisk is also collaborating with Skyports Infrastructure to establish a network for its air taxis ahead of the 2032 Brisbane Olympics.
Catherine MacGowan, Wisk’s Vice President of APAC and Air Operations commended Australia’s aviation innovation legacy and its suitability for testing advanced technologies like autonomous air mobility. She expressed gratitude for sharing this vision with Airservices and contributing towards an efficient air traffic system that meets AAM service requirements.
Wisk’s presence in Australia has been supported by Austrade which facilitated connections between the company and key government bodies such as Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) and Airservices Australia. Austrade provided consultative guidance along with referrals and invitations to significant industry events during Wisk’s market entry process.