Wisk Snaps Up SkyGrid to Bolster Self-Flying Air Taxi Operations

Acquired by Boeing in 2023, Wisk Aero is setting its sights on launching the first passenger-carrying, self-flying air taxi service in the nation by the decade’s end. To achieve this without a pilot on board, Wisk requires an advanced air traffic management system that can seamlessly communicate with its aircraft—and it has just made a significant acquisition to support this goal.

This week, the company announced its acquisition of SkyGrid, a leading provider in advanced air mobility (AAM) technologies, including uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) compatible with Wisk’s Generation 6 air taxi. With SkyGrid’s real-time, data-driven platform, the Gen 6 is designed to operate alongside crewed aircraft in busy urban spaces, particularly in regions like Greater Houston—one of its proposed launch markets.

Managing air traffic involving self-flying aircraft presents unique challenges, as conventional models require verbal communication. This is distinctly unfeasible without pilots onboard. To counter this, the FAA, together with private companies like SkyGrid, is developing a new layer of aviation safety known as UAS traffic management (UTM) for autonomous models.

“To truly harness the benefits of advanced air mobility, we must also develop an advanced airspace infrastructure,” stated Sebastian Vigneron, newly appointed CEO of Wisk, during the announcement.

Wisk distinguishes itself from typical AAM firms. Unlike competitors such as Joby Aviation and Archer Aviation, who seek to develop electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) technologies, Wisk is committed to achieving full autonomy from the outset.

The company’s autonomy system integrates onboard technology with remote supervisors, enabling oversight intervention when necessary. This system utilizes tested innovations such as autopilot and highly accurate navigation techniques, accompanied by additional features like detect and avoid mechanisms.

Despite facing a rigorous path to type certification, Wisk may be entering the market after its competitors. Joby and Archer are gearing up to launch commercial passenger services as soon as this year, while Wisk anticipates releasing the Gen 6 a few years later. To expedite this process, the company acquired Verocel, a software verification and validation firm, last year.

Wisk is confident that autonomy brings several key benefits, particularly concerning scalability. This approach could mitigate pilot shortages, reduce maintenance responsibilities, and allow for greater passenger capacity.

With a flight range of 78 nautical miles and a cruise speed of 110-120 knots, the Gen 6 is aimed at transporting passengers in suburban locations near Houston, such as Sugar Land. Additionally, Wisk envisions operating in cities like Brisbane, Australia, in hopes of serving passengers during the upcoming 2032 Olympic Games. The air taxi’s unique ability to take off vertically—allowing it to operate quietly like a helicopter—while cruising on fixed wings eliminates the need for traditional runways.

Urban environments characterized by high population density and numerous skyscrapers present significant challenges for UAS operations, which is where SkyGrid plays a pivotal role.

SkyGrid’s platform compiles data, infrastructure, and traffic information to develop a digital representation of the airspace. This model assists uncrewed aircraft in making informed decisions and planning routes—similar to how traditional air traffic control employs radar data to guide pilots. SkyGrid collaborates directly with air navigation service providers, such as the FAA, to ensure compatibility with local airspace regulations, securing clear pathways for AAM activities.

Wisk has the potential to offer UTM services to operators like Joby and Archer. The company mentioned that SkyGrid will continue to provide targeted support to its strategic external clients.

“By combining our robust airspace integration capabilities with Wisk’s autonomous eVTOL technology, we are creating a foundation for safer, more efficient, and increasingly autonomous operations across the board,” stated Jia Xu, CEO of SkyGrid.

Additionally, Wisk has entered into a five-year partnership with NASA to explore how the Gen 6 and other self-flying models can operate under IFR in busy airspaces. Concurrently, the FAA is overseeing UTM system trials for delivery drones in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.

Such initiatives could facilitate the creation of Automated Flight Rules (AFR), similar to VFR or IFR, which would govern operations devoid of pilots. Wisk emphasizes that AFR is essential for the safe and efficient incorporation of autonomous aircraft into the national airspace.