Houston Airports and Wisk Aero to pioneer autonomous air taxis in Texas

Wisk Aero, a trailblazer in Advanced Air Mobility (AAM), and Houston Airports have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding to introduce autonomous air taxis in Greater Houston. This strategic partnership focuses on the development of vertiport infrastructure at key locations including George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), William P. Hobby Airport (HOU), and Ellington Airport (EFD).

The collaboration is set to revolutionize urban air transportation by integrating Wisk‘s 6th Generation fully electric aircraft that offer vertical takeoff and landing capabilities, akin to a helicopter but with quieter operation and without combustion engines. Designed to meet or exceed the safety standards of commercial aviation, these aircraft represent a significant advancement in reducing urban noise and air pollution. The operation of these autonomous aircraft will be supervised by human controllers from the ground, ensuring safety and compliance with all regulations.

Houston Mayor John Whitmire, reflecting on his support for advanced air mobility during his tenure in the Texas senate, praised the initiative: “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. The collaboration underscores our commitment to pioneer advancements that will shape the future of urban mobility.”

Over the next year, Wisk and Houston Airports will collaborate to lay the groundwork for this innovative service by developing necessary infrastructure, designing flight routes, and engaging with the community and regulatory bodies like the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). This initiative follows Wisk’s earlier partnership with the City of Sugar Land, aimed at expanding autonomous air taxis across the Greater Houston Region.

Brian Yutkot, CEO of Wisk, commented on the partnership, “Our collaboration with Houston Airports solidifies Wisk’s commitment to creating efficient, new travel methods within the Greater Houston area and strengthens our ties with local infrastructure and regulatory partners.”

As part of this visionary project, Houston Airports will integrate AAM into its long-term strategic planning, engage the community actively, and establish policies for operational aspects such as infrastructure permitting and noise regulation. Wisk will contribute its technical expertise on autonomous eVTOL (electric vertical takeoff and landing) operations, focusing on infrastructure needs, training, and ground operational procedures, with plans to possibly expand site operations.

Jim Szczesniak, Director of Aviation for Houston Airports, stated, “Houston is at the forefront of aviation and aerospace innovation, making it the ideal starting point for the next generation of air transportation. This partnership with Wisk represents a bold step towards revolutionizing air mobility not just in our city, but across the entire Greater Houston region.”

The collaboration between Houston Airports and Wisk Aero aims not only to introduce a new mode of urban transport but also to foster economic growth, enhance the workforce, and improve the overall quality of life through reduced commute times and environmental impact. This initiative places Houston at the center of urban air mobility innovation, promising to transform the landscape of urban transportation.