MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif. — A self-flying air taxi owned by Boeing just passed a hurdle with the FAA.
Wisk Aero is a subsidiary of the aerospace giant that is looking to bring autonomous air taxis to the market. Its 6th Generation aircraft just recently secured a Stage 2 G-1 issue paper, which lays out airworthiness and environmental regulations. The company called it "a big milestone" in its certification journey.
The aircraft can fit up to four passengers, plus luggage, and is piloted autonomously using existing technologies like autopilots, precision navigation, flight management systems, and the company's own proprietary software. "Ultimately, this means that the aircraft can aviate, navigate and communicate on its own," according to Wisk's website.
Flights will be monitored by people from the ground, who have the ability to intervene when needed, the company said.
The aircraft takes off and lands vertically, like a helicopter, but then transitions to forward flight. They are fully electric, meaning they are significantly quieter than traditional helicopters, Wisk said.
Wisk Aero became a fully owned subsidiary of Boeing in 2023 but operates separately. The partnership allows Wisk to draw on Boeing's "development, testing and certification expertise," amongst other benefits, according to Wisk's about page.
Wisk has signed an agreement with Airservices Australia, a government entity that manages the country's airspace, with the hope of having the necessary infrastructure for air taxis in place by the 2032 Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic games.
The company is also working with Houston Airports and the City of Sugar Land, Texas, to bring autonomous air taxis to the greater Houston region.