Trends

Boeing-owned Wisk aims for pilotless air-taxi launch by 2030s

Wisk Aero, owned by Boeing, plans to introduce a fully autonomous air-taxi service “later in the decade” and is currently seeking regulatory approval.

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Authorj.zhang@btw.media

Reading Time2 min

PublishedJuly 23, 2024

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Headline

Wisk Aero, owned by Boeing, plans to introduce a fully autonomous air-taxi service “later in the decade” and is currently seeking regulatory approval.

Context

OUR TAKE Wisk Aero’s pilotless air-taxis could revolutionise urban transport, pushing us to trust AI in new ways. This bold move challenges traditional concepts of safety and control, making the real test one of public and regulatory acceptance. The future of flight may soon be fast, autonomous, and pilotless. –Jasmine Zhang, BTW reporter Wisk Aero , a Boeing -owned company, aims to launch its pilotless air-taxi service “later in the decade” as it seeks regulatory approval. Its CEO said Monday that industry analysts are skeptical about the certification timeline.

Evidence

Pending intelligence enrichment.

Analysis

Wisk is developing a four-seater autonomous aircraft with a 90-mile range, aiming to test it by year-end. Unlike competitors, Wisk’s model is fully autonomous, potentially cutting pilot costs. However, industry experts at Bain predict autonomous passenger flights won’t be common until the late 2030s, facing competition from self-driving cars. The company is part of the Electric Vertical Take-off and Landing (eVTOL) industry, which promises eco-friendly urban transport but faces challenges like battery efficiency and safety concerns. Also read: Boeing’s Starliner maiden crewed mission postponed Also read: ‘Luobo Kuaipao’: Fear and excitement as China embraces robotaxis

Key Points

Wisk Aero, owned by Boeing, plans to introduce a fully autonomous air-taxi service “later in the decade” and is currently seeking regulatory approval.
Despite industry challenges like battery efficiency and safety, Wisk is developing a four-seater aircraft with a 90-mile range, aiming for testing by year-end.