Wisk Aero and Japan Airlines partner on autonomous flight

Wisk Aero has joined forces with Japan Airlines (JAL) to bring Wisk’s autonomous, all-electric air taxi services to Japan.

Advanced Air Mobility company Wisk is also working with JAL Engineering (JALEC), an aircraft maintenance company responsible for developing aircraft for the JAL Group, to develop plans for the maintenance and operation of the autonomous aircraft.

A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) has been signed that establishes a framework of collaboration between the companies, as well as with the Japanese Civil Aviation Bureau (JCAB) and other relevant Japanese government agencies.

This will include careful consideration of regulatory requirements, safety measures, and how the community can benefit from advanced air mobility through the use of Wisk’s 6th generation self-flying, electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft.

Specifically, the MOU establishes a framework for research towards launching fleet operations for Wisk’s 6th generation taxi, including type certification approval in Japan and maintenance, repair and overhaul requirements; supporting discussion with JCAB and relevant agencies as appropriate on establishment of a Wisk operation under an Air Operators Certificate in Japan in the future; development of a path to a demonstration flight in Japan; and introduction of autonomous aircraft into the Japanese national airspace system.

“Japan represents a large, densely populated market where air taxi services can provide real, positive impact for local communities,” said Catherine MacGowan, Wisk’s APAC regional director.

“We look forward to further pursuing the potential introduction of our self-flying, all-electric air taxis in Japan, and are encouraged by the growing interest within the broader APAC region for these types of services.”

Ryo Tamura, CEO of JALEC commented: “We are very honored to partner with Wisk, a pioneer in autonomous eVTOL aircraft development. In Japan, the introduction of autonomous air travel is developing and we strongly feel that this partnership with Wisk is the first step towards the development of the next generation of safe air mobility in Japan.”