Wisk 在洛杉矶首次公开进行 eVTOL 飞行

Published Oct 23, 2023, 10:00 PM EDT

Journalist – Aaron is an aviation and travel journalist with 14 years of experience in the travel and tourism industry. His background spans airport operations, aviation infrastructure, and travel consulting, having worked with global organizations across New Zealand, Europe, and North America.

Combining industry expertise with firsthand travel experience across more than 52 countries and five continents, Aaron covers airlines, airports, aviation policy, and the wider travel sector. He is based in Canterbury, New Zealand.

His work has been published in Simple Flying and featured by MSN, SAM CHUI Aviation & Travel, EIN News, Pakistan Defence, and Climate Depot.

Summary

• Wisk becomes the first air taxi company to provide public flights in LA, conducting autonomous passenger flights at Long Beach airport.
• The tests aim to build on the 1,700 flights already completed, with Wisk's 5th Generation eVTOL aircraft, 'Cora'.
• Wisk's partnership with Boeing and the Long Beach Economic Forum highlights the potential economic benefits and job creation of advanced air mobility.

eVTOL manufacturer Wisk has become the first air taxi company to provide public flights in the City of Angels, with autonomous passenger flights tested at Long Beach airport. The tests look to build on the 1,700 already completed. These test flights allowed Wisk to conduct independent operations alongside other aircraft operations in real-world environments.

During Long Beach's Festival of Flight, the multi-transition service was facilitated by Wisk's 'Cora,' a 5th Generation eVTOL (electric vertical take-off and landing) aircraft. This marks the second public demonstration of autonomous eVTOL fiex wing aircraft after Wisk debuted at EAA AirVenture in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, in July earlier this year.

Hosting the mayor and other state officials

During the tests, Wisk took this opportunity to host the Mayor of Long Beach, alongside other state officials from across Los Angeles, Orange County, and Boeing, to encourage further discussion on advanced air mobility.

Mayor of Long Beach, Rex Richardson, reiterated how 'Long Beach has been a leader in aviation for decades' and that working with Wisk and Boeing to integrate safe, quiet, and environmentally friendly transportation is well suited for the middle class in the area.

Chief Executive Officer at Wisk, Brian Yutko, couldn't contain his excitement, as noted in their media statement:

“Autonomous flight is possible today and it’s happening now in LA, 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 LA – 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.”

Report from the Long Beach Economic Forum

Last year, Wisk took the initiative to partner with the Long Beach Economic Forum, which looks to establish focused implementation and research into advanced air mobility for the city of Long Beach and the wider region. The economic benefits are also under the spotlight, with Wisk sponsoring a study proving that 20 vertiports for autonomous flights could generate an additional $423 million in economic output and 2,133 new jobs. The report, released by the Long Beach Economic Partnership, noted:

"The vertiport network that is described and analyzed in this report offers a new transportation technology that has the potential to increase mobility for residents of the Southern California region, while also potentially alleviating congestion and contributing to the region’s goals of economic development and sustainability. This study estimates the economic benefits of the construction, rollout, and expansion of such a system."

Across the United States, Deloitte has estimated that this market could be valued at $115 billion within 12 years and create 280,000 high-paying jobs.

Sources: Long Beach Economic Forum Report, Wisk Aero - AAM, Wisk Aero - Long Beach