Source: https://evtolinsights.com/, Chris Stonor, First published Feb 22, 2024
Wisk Aero, a leading Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) company, and the City of Sugar Land, Texas, announced this week a collaboration to bring autonomous AAM to the Greater Houston region, reports a press release.
Under this new partnership, Wisk and Sugar Land are to “identify and assess a location at the Sugar Land Regional Airport for the development of vertiport infrastructure that would allow for Wisk’s autonomous air taxi operations,” explains the release. “This initial partnership will lay the foundation and act as a gateway for the establishment of a larger network across the Greater Houston region.”
Brian Yutko, CEO of Wisk, commented, “Sugar Land’s strategic location within the Greater Houston region, and its forward-thinking city leadership, make it an ideal partner for us and one that is uniquely positioned as an early leader in the launch of air taxi services.”
Michael W. Goodrum, the City Manager, added, “We are excited to partner with Wisk Aero on a new concept that just might change the way we travel, not only in our city, but across the world. We want to be a city where innovation is second nature, where creativity is encouraged and where change is embraced.”
Wisk and Sugar Land will engage in a number of activities. These include:-
: Wisk is to provide advice on technical needs for autonomous eVTOL operations, including infrastructure, training, ground operational procedures, and plans for potential site expansion.
: Sugar Land will focus on integrating AAM into its long-term plans, championing community engagement, and establishing operational policy, such as infrastructure permitting and noise levels.
: Together, the partners are to explore incorporating maintenance and training facilities in Sugar Land, and engage local and regional stakeholders to develop routes that connect the city to the Greater Houston region.
