Wisk Aero has completed its first electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) air taxi test flights in the greater Los Angeles area.
The advanced air mobility company launched test flights at Long Beach Airport to gain experience running the flights alongside commercial airport operations.
Wisk is also in discussion with local officials about the development of advanced air mobility in the area.
Brian Yutko, CEO of Wisk, said, “Autonomous flight is possible today and it’s happening now in L.A. 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 L.A. – 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.”
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The company last year forged a partnership with Long Beach Economic Partnership.
Mayor Rex Richard said, “I 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.”
Boeing invested $450 million in Wisk in early 2022 and later that year unveiled its sixth generation autonomous eVTOL taxi.
See below for a clip of the flight.
Wisk completes test flights in greater Los Angeles area