Wisk Aero and Japan Airlines (JAL) are pairing up in an effort to introduce Wisk’s "self-flying, all-electric air taxi services" to the East Asian country.
"Additionally, Wisk and JAL Engineering (JALEC), will work closely together to develop plans for the maintenance and operation of Wisk’s autonomous air taxis," Wisk added in a May 9 statement about the deal.
“We are excited to be partnering with Japan Airlines, a highly-respected leader in aviation both in Japan and globally,” says Brian Yutko, chief executive of Wisk, adding that "we look forward to working together to bring autonomous everyday flight to Japan".
The agreement covers "research towards launching fleet operations for Wisk’s 6th Generation taxi, including: type certification approval in Japan and maintenance, repair and overhaul requirements" and "supporting discussion with the Japanese Civil Aviation Bureau (JCAB) and relevant Japanese government agencies".
“We are very honoured to partner with Wisk, a pioneer in autonomous eVTOL aircraft development," said JALEC chief executive Ryo Tamura.
"We look forward to further pursuing the potential introduction of our self-flying, all-electric air taxis in Japan, and are encouraged by the growing interest within the broader APAC region for these types of services," said Catherine MacGowan, Wisk’s APAC (Asia Pacific) regional director.