Wisk Aero completes first flight of autonomous Generation 6 eVTOL in California

Wisk Aero successfully completed the first flight of its Generation 6 autonomous electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft on December 16 at its test facility in Hollister, California. The event involved vertical takeoff, hovering, and stabilized flight maneuvers.

The Generation 6 program is central to Wisk’s strategy to secure FAA type certification and position itself for entry into the US urban air mobility market.

The Generation 6 is a candidate for FAA certification as the first autonomous passenger eVTOL in the United States. Wisk is preparing for commercial operations in launch markets including Houston, Los Angeles, and Miami.

 The company is actively engaged in a certification program with the FAA, designing its aircraft to meet commercial aviation safety standards.

“This first flight is the moment our team has been working toward, and it is a powerful demonstration of the work, expertise, and commitment that have gone into the Gen 6 program,” said Sebastien Vigneron, CEO of Wisk.

“We are excited to see Wisk achieve this milestone, and I’m so proud of the team that made it possible,” stated Brian Yutko, Vice President of Product Development at Boeing Commercial Airplanes and Chairman of Wisk.

Wisk Aero was established in 2019 as a partnership between Boeing and Kitty Hawk, the latter co-founded by Larry Page of Google. Boeing assumed full ownership in May 2023, though Wisk had operated independently since inception.

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