MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif., - Advanced air mobility (AAM) company Wisk Aero in Mountain View, Calif., and Tokyo's Japan Airlines (JAL) have announced a partnership to bring Wisk’s self-flying, all-electric air taxi services to Japan. Additionally, Wisk and JAL Engineering (JALEC), will work closely together to develop plans for the maintenance and operation of Wisk’s autonomous air taxis.
A memorandum of understanding (MOU) has been signed that establishes a framework for collaboration between the two companies, as well as between the two companies and the Japanese Civil Aviation Bureau (JCAB), and other relevant Japanese Government agencies. This will include 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 the Japanese Civil Aviation Bureau (JCAB) and relevant Japanese Government agencies, as appropriate, on the 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
- Introduction of autonomous aircraft into the Japanese national airspace system
“We are thrilled to be announcing this new partnership with Japan Airlines, a partner that so closely shares our values,” says Catherine MacGowan, Wisk’s APAC Regional Director. “Japan represents a large, densely populated market where air taxi services can provide real, positive impact for local communities. 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.”
