Wisk, a leading Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) company and the developer of the first all-electric, self-flying air taxi in the U.S., has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Airservices Australia, a government-owned organization responsible for air traffic management in the country. This MoU sets the groundwork for the integration of safe, autonomous air taxi operations into Australia’s airspace. As a key market for Wisk’s testing and future commercial service, Australia plays a critical role in the company’s expansion plans.
In 2022, Wisk signed a similar MoU with the Council of Mayors (SEQ), Australia’s largest regional local government advocacy group, and recently strengthened its partnership with Skyports Infrastructure to develop an Entry-into-Service (EIS) network for Wisk’s autonomous aircraft ahead of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Wisk Australia Pty Ltd has also been established to lead the company’s EIS efforts and engage with Airservices under this MoU.
The agreement with Airservices underscores Wisk’s commitment to the region by ensuring that essential airspace integration systems are in place before entering the market. The MoU outlines a framework for:
- Assessing initiatives to incorporate autonomous air mobility networks into Australia,
- Exploring how advanced air mobility, particularly uncrewed and remotely supervised aircraft, can be integrated into Australia’s national airspace,
- Providing a platform to discuss challenges and opportunities, identifying potential projects for development, and
- Collaborating on knowledge-sharing efforts to enhance practices for autonomous air mobility networks.
Workshops and simulations will be conducted under the MoU to explore how AAM systems and Airservices’ systems will integrate with the national airspace.
“Australia has a rich history of aviation innovation and shares a vision for the future that includes advanced air mobility,” said Catherine MacGowan, Wisk’s VP of APAC and Air Operations. “We’re excited to work with Airservices to help develop an air traffic system that accommodates AAM services and delivers safe, efficient air travel to communities in this region.”
The MoU leverages Airservices’ leadership in airspace reform, particularly its plans to establish a Flight Information Management System (FIMS). The development of FIMS is crucial for enhancing safety and seamlessly integrating AAM into the airspace, ensuring the smooth operation of both traditional and emerging users.
Airservices Australia is playing a pivotal role in transforming airspace management to accommodate the future of aviation, including AAM. Wisk Australia will collaborate closely with Airservices on airspace procedures for autonomous aircraft, digital flight approvals, and trajectory-based operations, particularly within new vertiport environments. This MoU aims to establish standards for the safe and efficient integration of AAM into Australia’s national airspace.
“The knowledge-sharing under this arrangement will allow both organizations to better understand the industry’s needs and challenges, and to collaborate on strategies that ensure the safe and sustainable use of Australian airspace,” said Rob Sharp, Interim CEO of Airservices Australia.
