Wisk Aero has signed a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Airservices Australia, marking a significant step towards incorporating autonomous air taxis into Australian airspace.
This partnership underscores Australia’s ambition to become a leader in the global shift towards advanced air mobility (AAM), particularly as the country prepares for the 2032 Brisbane Olympics.
Airservices Australia, a government-owned organisation responsible for air traffic management, will work with Wisk to evaluate how autonomous, uncrewed air taxis can be safely integrated into the national airspace.
The agreement is expected to lay the groundwork for the safe operation of Wisk’s electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, including exploring new airspace procedures, conducting simulations, and knowledge-sharing activities.
“Australia has a history of aviation innovation and a vision for the future that includes advanced air mobility,” said Catherine MacGowan, Wisk’s VP of APAC and Air Operations. “The city of Brisbane also recently published a proposal and road map to build and accelerate transportation systems ahead of the 2032 Brisbane Olympics and Wisk is excited to bring autonomous air travel to Brisbane ahead of the Games.”
Australia has long been a strategic market for Wisk. In 2022, the company signed an MoU with the Council of Mayors (SEQ), and more recently expanded its partnership with Skyports Infrastructure to establish a network for its autonomous aircraft. These initiatives are designed to support the country’s AAM infrastructure in time for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Airservices Australia is developing a Flight Information Management System (FIMS), which is seen as critical for the safe integration of both traditional and emerging airspace users, including AAM services. Wisk Australia Pty Ltd, recently established to oversee the company’s Entry-into-Service (EIS) in the region, will lead the engagement with Airservices Australia.
