Advanced air mobility (AAM) company Wisk Aero says it has become the first electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) air taxi company to fly in the greater Los Angeles Area.
It launched autonomous test flights of its Cora eVTOL aircraft at Long Beach Airport during Long Beach’s Festival of Flight.
“Autonomous flight is possible today and it’s happening now in LA,” said Brian Yutko, CEO of Wisk. “Los Angeles is a target launch city for many in our industry."
Wisk partnered with Long Beach through the city’s Long Beach Economic Partnership (LBEP) and says the tie-up is "focused on evaluating, planning, and implementing AAM in Long Beach as part of a broader regional network, with a focus on autonomous flight".
Wisk has sponsored research by California State University on the economic impact of AAM for the region.
Local mayor Rex Richardson said: “Long Beach has been a leader in aviation for decades and those careers helped build and sustain the middle class here for generations. I am looking forward to working with Wisk and Boeing to create good jobs and integrating a safe, quiet, and environmentally responsible transportation option.”
