Wisk Aero and Skyports Infrastructure are to identify an entry into service network for Wisk's autonomous Generation 6 aircraft, determining locations for a viable vertiport network for the South East Queensland (SEQ) region of Australia.

Their original agreement in 2022 marked the first collaboration between a vertiport developer-operator and an autonomous eVTOL developer, and this latest arrangement furthers the introduction of safe, sustainable and scalable autonomous air taxi service to South East Queensland.

SEQ is currently home to four million people, a figure that could reach six million over the next 20 years. The region is undergoing rapid and extensive development ahead of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Wisk and Skyports will identify opportunities for the safe development and scale-up of AAM services to complement other transport investments, support tourism and connect communities across the region.

“Skyports has already been a strong partner to Wisk, and we are proud to build on the work we're doing, this time in Australia,” says Wisk CEO Brian Yutko. “Wisk is committed to bringing safe, emissions-free aviation to Queensland and this partnership will get us one step closer to making our goal a reality.”

The two companies will undertake a complex analysis of regional travel patterns, identify candidate vertiport sites, conduct feasibility studies and engage with prospective landlords and nearby communities. This last step is vital to the successful introduction of Wisk's urban air taxi service. The ultimate goal of this project is the development of a thorough business case to support the development of the necessary vertiport infrastructure.

Duncan Walker, CEO of Skyports, says, “We are pleased to publicly announce the work we are undertaking with Wisk to facilitate the launch of AAM services on Australia's eastern coast. This collaboration will leverage our combined expertise to develop a robust, scalable infrastructure network to enable safe, efficient air taxi services for communities and visitors across the South East Queensland region.”

Scott Smith, CEO of Council of Mayors, adds: “It's great to see South East Queensland continue to attract innovative technologies and investment. The AAM sector is an exciting new development for South East Queensland and is expected to contribute over $66 billion to the Australian economy, or 3.1 per cent of national GDP by 2040. We're excited to see this evolving industry bring in high-value local jobs and support improved services like medical and tourism. To secure our place as a global destination, we must be at the forefront of adopting emerging technologies.”