Collaboration between Wisk and City of Fullerton establishes framework for autonomous aerial taxi infrastructure development
In a significant move towards the future of mobility, Wisk Aero has entered into a partnership with the City of Fullerton, California. The collaboration aims to develop infrastructure for autonomous air taxis at Fullerton Municipal Airport.
The partnership marks the beginning of a sustainable air mobility ecosystem in Orange County. It signifies an important step in expanding Wisk's presence within the Los Angeles-Orange County metropolitan area.
Jeff Ball, Orange County Business Council president and CEO, stated that the collaboration keeps Orange County at the forefront of technology and transportation. Emilien Marchand, Wisk ecosystem partnerships regional lead, added that the partnership will help define standards and processes for the entire industry.
Operational and commercial planning form another core aspect of the partnership. Wisk and the city will jointly evaluate infrastructure needs and assess opportunities for training and maintenance facilities at the Fullerton airport. The efforts will also involve developing policies for operations, such as permitting processes and guidelines for community noise levels.
The partnership with Wisk builds on the city's ongoing work to integrate Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) and Urban Air Mobility (UAM) into its airport's strategic planning. The city plans to integrate these new technologies into its airport operations in a way that benefits both the community and the environment.
In addition to the development of infrastructure, the partnership focuses on route planning and securing grants for infrastructure development. Wisk Aero has already partnered with Skyports to integrate autonomous electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft operations with ground infrastructure in 2022. The collaboration aims to unlock potential partnerships with other vertiport sites, contributing to a regional network.
The memorandum of understanding (MoU) outlines collaborative efforts between Wisk and the City of Fullerton, including providing technical advice on vertiport requirements and Instrument Flight Rules routes. The focus will be on infrastructure, electrical grid requirements, and airspace management.
The partnership is expected to create high-quality jobs, strengthen connections between communities, and position Orange County as a leader in the future of mobility. With the potential for autonomous air taxis to revolutionise transportation, this partnership is a significant step towards a more sustainable and connected future.
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