Wisk Aero, an advanced air mobility (AAM) company, has begun testing its electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft at Long Beach Airport in the greater Los Angeles area. These test flights mark Wisk as the first eVTOL air taxi company to operate in the region.
The test program allowed Wisk to carry out autonomous flight operations within a busy commercial airport environment, alongside other passenger airline activities. The initiative culminated in the company’s first public demonstration of an autonomous eVTOL air taxi flight during Long Beach’s Festival of Flight. Using its fifth-generation (Cora) eVTOL aircraft, Wisk showcased a multi-transition flight, emphasizing the feasibility and safety of autonomous passenger aviation.
Wisk also hosted Long Beach Mayor Rex Richardson, regional officials from Los Angeles and Orange County, and Boeing executives to discuss the future of advanced air mobility in Southern California.
“Autonomous flight is no longer a vision for the future—it’s happening now, right here in Los Angeles,” said Brian Yutko, CEO of Wisk. “As the first air taxi company to operate in this region with an autonomous aircraft, we’re thrilled to demonstrate the potential of safe, everyday flight. We’re grateful for the partnership and support from Boeing and the Long Beach community as we advance toward making autonomous air travel a reality for Southern California and beyond.”
Mayor Richardson added, “Long Beach has been at the forefront of aviation for decades, contributing to middle-class job growth and innovation. I look forward to collaborating with Wisk and Boeing to create good jobs and integrate safe, quiet, and environmentally sustainable transportation solutions into our community.”
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