Wisk Aero

California-based Wisk Aero is a leading Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) company, which initially started as a joint venture between aerospace giant Boeing and Kitty Hawk Corporation. This collaboration allowed Wisk Aero to harness the combined expertise of both companies and develop cutting-edge eVTOL technology. However, in September 2022, Kitty Hawk ceased operations, leading to Boeing acquiring full ownership of Wisk Aero in 2023 .

In October 2022 , Wisk unveiled its sixth-generation air taxi, which is the world's first self-flying, all-electric, four-passenger eVTOL. The vehicle has a cruising altitude of between 2,500 and 4,000 feet, a range of 90 miles, and a cruising speed of about 120 knots (138mph). The Generation 6 aircraft serves as Wisk's go-to-market product and is the first autonomous eVTOL to be considered for type certification by the FAA. According to the company, at the time of its unveiling, this aircraft was the most advanced air taxi in the world, as it combined industry-leading autonomous technology and software, human oversight of every flight, and an overall simplified design to deliver one of the safest passenger transport systems in commercial aviation.

Key customers and partnerships

Wisk's strategic partnership with Boeing gives it a competitive edge, as it can leverage more than 100 years of Boeing's experience in aircraft development, scale manufacturing, and certification. Furthermore, Boeing's resources in eVTOL and autonomy engineering help to further advance Wisk's development. 

In November 2020 , NASA partnered with Wisk to advance the safe integration of autonomous aircraft systems into urban air mobility at a national level. In April 2022 , Wisk partnered with Skyports to define Autonomous AAM Infrastructure Operations. In May 2022 , the company partnered with Blade Urban Air Mobility, Inc. with an agreement to own and operate up to 30 aircraft on Blade’s network of dedicated air terminals along short-distance routes. The company has partnered with Queensland Local Government (Australia), City of Long Beach (Southern California) to expand global reach.

Funding and financials

In its latest funding round in January 2022 , the company secured USD 450 million from Boeing, making it one of the most well-funded Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) companies in the world. Funds are expected to be used for advance development of Wisk’s sixth-generation eVTOL aircraft and advance the company’s Go-to-Market and near-term expansion plans, including the launch of scale manufacturing.