Wisk Aero, Japan Airlines bring autonomous eVTOL services to Japan

On May 9, advanced air mobility (AAM) company Wisk Aero (Mountain View, Calif., U.S.) and Japan Airlines (JAL), an international airline based in Tokyo, Japan, are partnering to bring Wisk’s self-flying, all-electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) 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 eVTOL aircraft.

“We are excited to be partnering with Japan Airlines, a highly respected leader in aviation both in Japan and globally,” says Brian Yutko, CEO of Wisk. “Wisk and Japan Airlines share a commitment to safe, accessible transportation and to ensure that our services provide long-term benefit to the communities that we serve. We look forward to working together to bring autonomous, everyday flight to Japan and to further advancing advanced air mobility in the broader APAC [Asia-Pacific] region.”

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 careful consideration of regulatory requirements, safety measures and how the community can benefit from AAM through the use of Wisk’s sixth-generation, self-flying carbon fiber eVTOL aircraft.

Specifically, the MOU establishes a framework for:

• Research towards launching fleet operations for Wisk’s sixth-generation aircraft, including: type certification approval in Japan and maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) requirements.
• Supporting discussion with the 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.

Catherine MacGowan, Wisk’s APAC regional director, says, “Japan represents a large, densely populated market where air taxi services can provide real, positive impact for local communities.”

Japan Airlines and Wisk share a commitment to safety, sustainability and responsibility. This partnership represents the joining of these shared values to develop an enduring approach to the introduction of future autonomous eVTOL operations that are part of the future integrated transportation layer in Japan.