Wisk Aero is to bring autonomous air taxis to Greater Houston through an agreement that supports the strategic planning efforts needed to bring a new form of air transportation to this important region of Texas. It will partner with Houston Airports to identify and assess potential locations for the development of vertiport infrastructure at George Bush Intercontinental, William P Hobby and Ellington airports.

Wisk's sixth generation aircraft takes off and lands vertically like a helicopter before transitioning to forward flight. It is fully electric, doesn't have combustion engines and is significantly less noisy than a helicopter. These aircraft are being built to meet or exceed commercial aviation levels of safety, the highest possible aviation standard. While Wisk's Generation 6 aircraft is autonomous, a human supervisor on the ground oversees every flight.

Over the next 12 months, Houston Airports and Wisk will work together to develop infrastructure and routes, and partner with the community, while continuing conversations with the FAA. Earlier this year Wisk entered into a partnership with the City of Sugar Land to bring autonomous air taxis to the Greater Houston Region.

"Our partnership with Houston Airports solidifies Wisk's commitment to creating new and efficient ways to travel within the Greater Houston area and furthers our relationship with infrastructure and regulatory partners in the region. Texas is quickly becoming a leader not only in AAM, but in ushering in safe, autonomous flight here in the United States," says CEO Brian Yutko. "Connecting suburbs to Houston's airports, business centres and prime tourist destinations through autonomous, sustainable air travel will create a new form of urban mobility and have tremendous economic and workforce impacts, supporting the growth of the Houston region."

Houston Airports will focus on integrating AAM into its long-term plans, championing community engagement and establishing operational policy, such as infrastructure permitting and noise levels, while Wisk will provide expertise on technical needs for autonomous eVTOL operations, including infrastructure, training, ground operational procedures and plans for potential site expansion. Together, the two organisations will explore incorporating maintenance and training facilities in Houston.

"Houston is at the forefront of aviation and aerospace innovation, so it's only fitting that Houston Airports takes the first steps to explore the next generation of air transportation," says director of aviation Jim Szczesniak. "Our partnership with Wisk represents a bold step towards revolutionising air mobility not just within our city, but across the entire Greater Houston region. As a hub of business and progress, Houston is the ideal starting point for advancements in autonomous air travel, as the ideas, infrastructure and innovation stand to benefit residents, tourists and the business community. This collaboration with Wisk aligns with our vision to create a five star global air service gateway where the magic of flight is celebrated."