Partnership Drives Development of Autonomous eVTOL Infrastructure
By Joe Macey
Wisk Aero and Signature Aviation partner to develop vertiports, operational frameworks, and regulatory infrastructure, advancing autonomous eVTOL operations across key U.S. markets
Wisk Aero, a leading developer of autonomous, all-electric, vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, and Signature Aviation, the world’s largest network of private aviation terminals, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaboratively advance autonomous Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) operations.
The partnership focuses on identifying and developing vertiport locations, designing operational workflows, and establishing the regulatory, technical, and commercial frameworks necessary to integrate Wisk’s autonomous eVTOL aircraft across Signature Aviation’s global network.
This collaboration represents a significant step toward building the infrastructure and operational capabilities required for safe, scalable autonomous flight. It will initially target key U.S. launch markets, Houston, Los Angeles, and Miami,aligning Wisk’s technology deployment with Signature Aviation’s strategic network of private aviation terminals.
The collaboration includes strategic planning efforts to identify and assess the feasibility of vertiport development locations compatible with Wisk’s autonomous AAM operations, a crucial part of planning for autonomy now. This includes conducting detailed exercises to evaluate the commercial, financial, regulatory, technical, and operational processes required to enable Wisk’s autonomous operations at specific Signature Aviation locations.
As a tangible first step, Wisk and Signature Aviation have already initiated a project at Signature Aviation’s facilities at Ellington Airport (EFD) in Houston, Texas. This work focuses on developing vertiport concepts, and defining potential layouts, operational workflows, and infrastructure requirements, including for Wisk’s Gen 6 aircraft and passenger experience. The partnership with Signature will also establish a framework for potential future commercial agreements. The work at EFD represents further expansion of Wisk’s presence in Texas and collaboration with the Houston Airport System and City of Sugar Land.
Dan Dalton, VP of Global Partnerships at Wisk, said, “We are very excited to collaborate with Signature Aviation to pioneer the future of autonomous flight. As the world’s largest network of private aviation terminals, Signature’s forward-leaning approach to aviation modernization aligns with our vision. Together, we’re building the robust infrastructure and integrated network essential for safe, scaled operations, starting with our focused efforts at Ellington. This collaboration represents a critical pathway toward bringing autonomous air travel to communities.”
Derek DeCross, Chief Commercial Officer Signature Aviation, added, “Our partnership with Wisk highlights another significant step in our continued innovation and dedicated sustainability leadership within aviation. Advanced air mobility represents a transformative opportunity to shape the future of our industry and together with Wisk, we are proactively exploring the infrastructure and strategic planning necessary to expand our exceptional, forward-thinking guest experience across our network in the future.”
This partnership underscores the shared vision of Wisk and Signature Aviation to build a safe, efficient, and commercially viable autonomous AAM ecosystem that will enable regional transportation.
