Partners Work to Develop Infrastructure that Supports AAM Operations

Boeing subsidiary Wisk Aero is partnering with Signature Aviation, a private aviation terminal provider, to make advanced air mobility (AAM) a reality. The Memorandum of Understanding outlines plans to proactively develop the necessary infrastructure for autonomous eVTOL operations.

"We are very excited to collaborate with Signature Aviation to pioneer the future of autonomous flight,” said Dan Dalton, VP of Global Partnerships at Wisk. “Together, we're building the robust infrastructure and integrated network essential for safe, scaled operations, starting with our focused efforts at Ellington."

Signature Aviation’s network of more than 200 private aviation terminals worldwide gives Wisk a ready-made map of possible AAM hubs, including key launch markets in Houston, Los Angeles, and Miami. Rather than waiting for the technology to arrive before thinking about where it will operate, the companies say they’re tackling commercial, regulatory, financial, and technical considerations now.

Their first concrete step will take place at Signature’s Ellington Airport facilities in Houston, Texas. There, the partners are developing vertiport concepts, sketching out layouts, passenger flows, and operational workflows that could one day accommodate Wisk’s Gen 6 aircraft. This includes defining infrastructure requirements down to details like boarding processes and ground handling.

“Advanced air mobility represents a transformative opportunity to shape the future of our industry and together with Wisk, we are proactively exploring the infrastructure and strategic planning necessary to expand our exceptional, forward-thinking guest experience across our network in the future,” added Derek DeCross, Chief Commercial Officer of Signature Aviation.

Wisk has been developing autonomous eVTOL technology for over a decade and has logged more than 1,750 test flights. Its aircraft are intended to be fully autonomous, carrying passengers without an onboard pilot. Signature, based in London, operates terminals in 27 countries and is also the largest distributor of sustainable aviation fuel.

If all goes as planned, the Ellington Airport project could become a model for future autonomous vertiport development. For now, it’s still about designs, feasibility studies, and regulatory groundwork…but both companies appear committed to proving that autonomous air taxis won’t be stuck in the sci-fi phase forever.

FMI: www.signatureaviation.com