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Wisk Aero, a leading Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) company, and Houston Airports joined forces in a Memorandum of Understanding to bring autonomous air taxis to Greater Houston. This agreement supports strategic planning to introduce a new form of air transportation to this important Texas region.
Wisk and Houston Airports will work together to find the best spots to build landing pads (called vertiports) for these air taxis at three airports – George Bush Intercontinental, William P. Hobby, and Ellington.
These taxis are different from helicopters. Wisk’s 6th generation design takes off and lands straight up and down, but then flies forward like a regular airplane. They’re also electric, so much quieter than helicopters, and are built to be super safe. Even though they fly themselfves, a person on the ground will always be there to oversee each flight.
“During my time in the Texas senate, I voted for legislation supporting advanced air mobility. This public-private partnership marks a significant step forward for the City of Houston as we invest in innovative and sustainable modes of air transportation,” said Houston Mayor John Whitmire. “The collaboration underscores our commitment to pioneer advancements that will shape the future of urban mobility.”
In the coming year, Houston Airports and Wisk will join forces to build landing facilities (infrastructure), plan flight paths (routes), engage with the Houston community, and stay in talks with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) about regulations. This follows Wisk’s earlier partnership with Sugar Land to introduce self-flying air taxis to the Greater Houston area.
“Our partnership with Houston Airports solidifies Wisk’s commitment to creating new and efficient ways to travel within the Greater Houston area and furthers our relationship with infrastructure and regulatory partners in the region. Texas is quickly becoming a leader not only in AAM, but in ushering in safe, autonomous flight here in the United States,” said Brian Yutko, CEO at Wisk. “Connecting suburbs to Houston’s airports, business centers, and prime tourist destinations through autonomous, sustainable air travel will create a new form of urban mobility and have tremendous economic and workforce impacts, supporting the growth of the Houston region.”
Houston Airports and Wisk: A Collaborative Path to Urban Air Mobility
To achieve their shared vision of transforming urban mobility in Houston, Houston Airports and Wisk will undertake specific initiatives:
- Houston Airports:
- Will seamlessly integrate Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) into their long-term development strategy.
- Spearhead community engagement to ensure public awareness and support.
- Establish clear operational policies, including infrastructure permitting guidelines and noise level regulations.
- Wisk:
- Will leverage their expertise to guide the technical aspects of autonomous electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) operations. This includes infrastructure needs, pilot training programs, ground-based operational procedures, and potential plans for vertiport expansion.
- Joint Efforts:
- Both parties will explore the possibility of establishing maintenance and training facilities within Houston, further solidifying the city’s role as a hub for this innovative transportation solution.
“Houston is at the forefront of aviation and aerospace innovation, so it’s only fitting that Houston Airports take the first steps to explore the next generation of air transportation,” said Jim Szczesniak, Director of Aviation for Houston Airports. “Our partnership with Wisk represents a bold step towards revolutionizing air mobility not just within our city, but across the entire Greater Houston region. As a hub of business and progress, Houston is the ideal starting point for advancements in autonomous air travel, as the ideas, infrastructure, and innovation stand to benefit residents, tourists, and the business community. This collaboration with Wisk aligns with our vision to create a 5-Star global air service gateway where the magic of flight is celebrated.”
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