The New Zealand government and urban air mobility (UAM) company Wisk have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to establish a passenger transport trial, using Wisk's self-flying, all-electric air taxi Cora.

In October 2019, the New Zealand government announced that it was setting up an industry-wide airspace integration trial to work with leading, innovative domestic and international industry partners, to safely test and demonstrate unmanned aircraft. US and New Zealand-based Wisk became the first industry partner to join this programme.

Wisk CEO Gary Gysin says: “We are delighted to have a signed agreement with the New Zealand government, which will propel Cora's entry into the air taxi market. We see this agreement as a sign of confidence in our product and abilities to develop and deliver a safe and reliable air taxi service, starting in New Zealand.”

Minister of research science and innovation Hon Dr Megan Woods adds: “This trial is the first of its kind, and Wisk's innovative technology and commitment to New Zealand make it an ideal partner for advancing the future of travel in New Zealand and the world.”

“Wisk has been working with the government and people of New Zealand since 2017,” continues Gysin. “We are excited about what this agreement and trial represent in our journey to bring safe everyday flight to everyone. New Zealand values innovation, excellence and technology that is safe for people and the environment. Being selected as the partner for this programme is an honour and testament to our hard work and steady progress.”

With the agreement in place, planning for a passenger transport trial in Canterbury is underway. The passenger route is a world first and will commence after Cora's certification by the New Zealand Civil Aviation Authority.