Wisk Aero, a leading Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) company, and Houston Airports have teamed up to bring autonomous air taxis to Greater Houston. This partnership, solidified through a Memorandum of Understanding, aims to introduce a new form of air transportation to the region.
The collaboration will focus on identifying the most suitable locations for vertiports, landing pads for these air taxis, at three airports: George Bush Intercontinental, William P. Hobby, and Ellington. Wisk’s air taxis are distinct from traditional helicopters, employing a sixth-generation design that allows for vertical takeoff and landing but transitions to forward flight like an airplane. These electric vehicles are notably quieter than helicopters and prioritize safety with an always-on ground operator overseeing each flight.
Houston Mayor John Whitmire, highlighting the significance of this public-private partnership, stated, “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. The collaboration underscores our commitment to pioneer advancements that will shape the future of urban mobility.”
Over the next year, Houston Airports and Wisk will work collaboratively to develop landing facilities, plan flight routes, engage with the Houston community, and maintain dialogue with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on regulatory matters. This follows Wisk’s previous 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.”
To realize their shared vision of transforming urban mobility in Houston, Houston Airports and Wisk have outlined specific initiatives. Jim Szczesniak, Director of Aviation for Houston Airports, remarked, “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. 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.”
