Pictured: ARM Hub Board member Ann-Maree Willett and our Business Support Officer and Engineer, Harry Marles at the Wisk launch in Brisbane on 21 July 2022.
The autonomous, all-electric, self-flying air-taxis of the future are here! Wisk Aero has teamed up with ARM Hub as part of the launch of their Boeing-backed air taxi in South East Queensland, in partnership with the Council of Mayors South East Queensland (SEQ). Wisk will house their 5th generation electric air taxi at ARM Hub. The sleek two-seater aircraft was on display in King George Square for WISK’s launch on 21 July 2022.
WISK’s entry into Australia is driven by a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Council of Mayors (SEQ), which will see the two organisations working together to introduce a safe, sustainable, and scalable, autonomous air taxi service to South East Queensland.
In a Council of Mayors (SEQ) media release marking the launch, Council of Mayors (SEQ) Chair and Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said attracting global businesses and innovative industries to the region like Wisk, was a big part of the reason why the Council of Mayors first kickstarted the Brisbane2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games journey.
“We’re thrilled to be working with Wisk to look at how South East Queensland can capitalise off the new jobs and economic opportunities associated with this Australian-first industry,” Cr Schrinner said.
“We expect to see the emergence of advanced air technology in places like Singapore, Paris and Los Angeles, and by 2032, I’d love to see it supporting new and innovative experiences for tourism and travel right here in South East Queensland.
“While there’s still plenty of work to do around regulation and safety, the prospect of having autonomous air taxis operating throughout our region and between venues during the Brisbane2032 Games is really exciting.”
Gary Gysin, Chief Executive Officer of Wisk, said Wisk was proud to engage with forward-thinking local leaders, like the Council of Mayors (SEQ), to advance the introduction of AAM and benefit not only Wisk, but local communities and the industry as a whole.
“This is an exciting time for us, as we continue our momentum and expand our global presence. We look forward to building on the strong relationships we have in Australia to make safe, all-electric, autonomous flight a reality.”
Cr Schrinner said South East Queensland offers a mix of rural, beach, and city landscapes making it the perfect Australian location to trial and launch the air industry.
“The MOU will support engagement with the region’s Councils on the introduction of the Autonomous Air Mobility industry, including operators like Wisk, into South East Queensland,” he said.
“Through a strong collaboration between Councils and the industry, we can ensure they understand the needs of our communities and support a consistent and collaborative approach to planning and regulation.
“This collaborative approach will be critical to the industry’s investment and rollout across our region in the future.”
In addition to this new partnership, WISK will also be expanding its physical presence in the country, with the addition of Australia-based personnel.
Wisk intends for its presence in Queensland to be long-term and will be working with local government toward providing the city with green tourism and transport options.
Wisk’s Asia Pacific Regional Director, Catherine MacGowan, said the new partnership was a great starting point for expansion across Australasia.
“Our work has the potential to accelerate the introduction of emissions-free aviation, help reduce transport-driven carbon emissions, and realise the benefits of AAM for the Queensland state economy and the wellbeing of its citizens.”
About Wisk
Wisk is an advanced air mobility (AAM) company dedicated to delivering safe, everyday flight for everyone. Wisk’s self-flying, eVTOL (electric vertical take-off and landing) air taxi, will make it possible for passengers to skip the traffic and get to their destination faster. Based in the San Francisco Bay Area and New Zealand, Wisk is an independent company backed by The Boeing Company and Kitty Hawk Corporation. With over a decade of experience and over 1550 test flights, Wisk is shaping the future of daily commutes and urban travel, safely and sustainably. Wisk is on a journey to deliver safe, autonomous, all-electric, everyday flight.