Electric flying taxi company Wisk takes to the skies in LA

Advanced air mobility (AAM) company Wisk Aero claims it has become the first eVTOL air taxi to conduct public flights in Los Angeles County.

Wisk reports the test flights at Long Beach Airport provided the opportunity for it to conduct autonomous flight operations in a complex, real-world commercial airport environment, alongside other passenger airline operations.

eVTOL taxi flight

The company concluded its flight programme at Long Beach Airport with the first public demonstration of an eVTOL air taxi flight in the Los Angeles region during Long Beach’s Festival of Flight. The multi-transition flight was conducted using Wisk’s 5th Generation (Cora) autonomous, eVTOL aircraft.

In addition, the company also hosted the mayor of Long Beach and local and state officials from the Los Angeles region, including Orange County, as well as Boeing leadership, for a discussion regarding the future of advanced air mobility within the region.

“Los Angeles is a target launch city for many in our industry and we are extremely proud to be the first air taxi company to fly in LA – and to have done so with an autonomous aircraft”

“Autonomous flight is possible today and it’s happening now in LA,” said Brian Yutko, CEO of Wisk. “Los Angeles is a target launch city for many in our industry and we are extremely proud to be the first air taxi company to fly in LA – and to have done so with an autonomous aircraft.

“We are fortunate to have the partnership and support of Boeing throughout the area to help build relationships and advance our mission. We are thankful to Long Beach for their ongoing partnership and support as we make safe, everyday, autonomous flight a reality for southern California, and the world.”