Wisk and JAL Partner on Autonomous eVTOLs for Japan

Wisk Aero has announced a partnership with Japan Airlines (JAL) to introduce its self-flying, all-electric air taxi Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) services to Japan.

According to the company, the partnership will involve collaboration between Wisk, JAL Engineering (JALEC), the Japanese Civil Aviation Bureau (JCAB), and other relevant Japanese Government agencies to establish a framework for the operation and maintenance of Wisk's autonomous air taxis.

Wisk's air taxi is a sixth-generation, electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft that can carry two passengers and fly autonomously. The company claims that its aircraft is safer, quieter, and more environmentally friendly than conventional helicopters.

The partnership aims to conduct research on launching fleet operations for Wisk's air taxi, including obtaining type certification approval in Japan and developing maintenance, repair and overhaul requirements. It also aims to support discussions with the JCAB and other agencies on the establishment of a Wisk operation under an Air Operators Certificate in Japan. Additionally, it plans to develop a path to a demonstration flight in Japan and introduce autonomous aircraft into the Japanese national airspace system.

"We are excited to be partnering with Japan Airlines, a highly-respected leader in aviation both in Japan and globally," said Brian Yutko, CEO of Wisk. "Wisk and Japan Airlines share a commitment to safe, accessible transportation and to ensuring that our services provide long-term benefit to the communities that we serve. We look forward to working together to bring autonomous everyday flight to Japan and to further advancing Advanced Air Mobility in the broader APAC region."

"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," said Ryo Tamura, CEO of JALEC.

Wisk Aero Japan Airlines Video

Japan represents a large, densely populated market where air taxi services might find traction. The country has been actively promoting AAM as part of its vision for future mobility.

The partnership between Wisk and JAL is part of a larger effort aimed at establishing a framework for AAM in Japan. Other companies involved in this effort include Boeing, Airbus, Volocopter, SkyDrive, and Cartivator.