WISK Aero Unveils All-Electric Self-Driving Air Taxi at Paris Air Show

WISK Aero, a subsidiary of Boeing, is set to showcase its groundbreaking all-electric and autonomous sixth-generation air taxi at the upcoming Paris Air Show. This milestone marks a significant advancement in pilotless flight technology and paves the way for a new era of aviation.

The WISK Explore Generation 6 air taxi boasts impressive features, including a quick 15-minute charge time, a range of 90 miles, and a cruising speed ranging from 110 to 120 knots. Operating at altitudes between 2,500 and 4,000 feet, the air taxi has ample space to accommodate four passengers and their luggage.

While Boeing declined to comment, Brian Yutko, the CEO of WISK, revealed that the California-based aerospace company became a wholly-owned subsidiary of Boeing in 2023. This strategic partnership strengthens WISK’s financial position and allows the company to leverage Boeing’s expertise in development, testing, and certification.

WISK has been at the forefront of electric vertical takeoff and landing flight exploration since 2010. With over 1,600 test flights and multiple generations of aircraft, the company has made remarkable progress in advancing electric aviation technology.

Certification and the launch of services will be determined by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). However, Yutko confidently stated that WISK air taxi rides will be available within this decade.

WISK’s air vehicles are designed with human oversight, ensuring robust safety standards and eliminating single points of failure. The company plans to initially launch its services in the United States, with specific launch cities yet to be announced.

Yutko expressed the company’s ambitious goal of expanding to 20 cities within seven years of certification, targeting prominent cities visible from space as potential launch locations.

While autonomy is essential for aviation industry safety and long-term success, Yutko emphasized that WISK does not envision autonomous technology replacing pilots on commercial airliners. Instead, the company aims to enhance existing automation on airliners, further augmenting safety measures.

To oversee flights, a Multi-Vehicle Supervisor will monitor each journey from the ground, creating new job opportunities in the aviation sector.