Boeing's Wisk Aero Aims to Launch Pilotless Air-Taxi Service by Late 2030s; Test Flights This Year
Wisk Aero, a Boeing-owned company, expects to begin carrying passengers with its pilotless air-taxi "later in the decade." The company is working with the U.S. regulator to secure necessary approvals for passenger operations. Wisk is developing a four-seater autonomous aircraft with a range of 90 miles and plans to conduct test flights by the end of this year.
The company's CEO, Brian Yutko, revealed that Wisk is actively working with the U.S. regulator to secure the necessary approvals for passenger operations. However, industry analysts remain sceptical about the certification timelines for such autonomous aircraft.
Wisk Aero, along with other eVTOL manufacturers, aims to provide an environmentally-friendly mode of transportation in congested urban areas. While the concept holds great promise, there are significant technological challenges to overcome. One such hurdle is developing batteries with enough power to enable multiple trips on a single charge. Additionally, gaining the trust of regulators and the public regarding the safety of autonomous aircraft poses a higher barrier.
Wisk is currently focused on developing a four-seater autonomous aircraft with a range of 90 miles (145 km). Yutko stated that the company is actively testing and producing the necessary components for the aircraft, with plans to conduct test flights by the end of this year. This approach sets Wisk apart from other major air-taxi manufacturers, as they are primarily developing models that require a pilot. Wisk believes that eliminating the need for a pilot will result in cost savings for operators.
However, industry experts at Bain caution that fully autonomous passenger flights are not expected until the late 2030s. They also predict that pilotless aircraft will face competition from autonomous vehicles on the road. To ensure profitability, operators will need to maximise passenger occupancy and minimise return trips with empty aircraft, according to Mattia Celli, one of the authors of a Bain report.
Wisk Aero, based in Mountain View, California, was previously a joint venture between Boeing and Kitty Hawk Corp. However, it became a fully-owned subsidiary of Boeing last year, solidifying the company's commitment to the eVTOL market.
Wisk Aero, a Boeing-owned company, expects to begin carrying passengers with its pilotless air-taxi "later in the decade."
The company is working with the U.S. regulator to secure necessary approvals for passenger operations.
Wisk is developing a four-seater autonomous aircraft with a range of 90 miles and plans to conduct test flights by the end of this year.
Source: REUTERS