Two years after announcing a partnership with a different eVTOL (electric vertical takeoff and landing) company, Japan Airlines (JAL) is announcing a new collaboration with California-based firm Wisk Aero. This partnership will see Wisk bring all-electric air taxi services to Japan, although no specific timeline for this project has yet to be defined.

Autonomous air taxis

Wisk Aero and JAL have a plan to bring self-flying, all-electric air taxi services to Japan. With certain parts of Japan being dense urban environments with large amounts of road traffic, an air taxi service will be able to cater to those who need to get across town as soon as possible.

“We are excited to be partnering with Japan Airlines, a highly-respected leader in aviation both in Japan and globally...Wisk and Japan Airlines share a commitment to safe, accessible transportation and to ensuring that our services provide long-term benefit to the communities that we serve. We look forward to working together to bring autonomous everyday flight to Japan and to further advancing Advanced Air Mobility in the broader APAC region.” -Brian Yutko, CEO of Wisk

The partnership will also include Japan Airlines' engineering division, JAL Engineering (JALEC), who will play an integral part in the maintenance and operation of Wisk’s autonomous air taxis.

In October 2021, JAL had announced a potential deal to purchase or lease up to 100 Vertical Aerospace VA-X4 eVTOL air taxis from aircraft leasing company Avolon and its innovation affiliate Avolon-e. However, it's unclear if this most recent deal with Wisk replaces JAL's dealings with Avolon-e, or if its previous deal is still on the table.

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Framework MoU signed

According to Wisk, a memorandum of understanding (MOU) has been signed to establish a framework for collaboration between the two companies. Together, Wisk and JAL will work alongside the Japanese Civil Aviation Bureau (JCAB), and other relevant Japanese Government agencies to attain regulatory approval and ensure that all safety requirements are satisfied.

More specifically, the MOU establishes a framework for the following goals:

  • Research towards launching fleet operations for Wisk’s 6th Generation taxi. This will include securing type certification approval in Japan, as well as MRO (maintenance, repair, and overhaul) requirements.
  • Development of a roadmap to a demonstration flight in Japan.
  • Introduction of autonomous aircraft to the Japanese national airspace system.
Japan Airlines aircraft
Photo: EQRoy | Shutterstock

“Japan represents a large, densely populated market where air taxi services can provide real, positive impact for local communities. We look forward to further pursuing the potential introduction of our self-flying, all-electric air taxis in Japan, and are encouraged by the growing interest within the broader APAC region for these types of services.” -Catherine MacGowan, APAC Regional Director, Wisk

Wisk eVTOL in its 6th generation

According to Wisk, its "Generation 6" aircraft is the world’s first all-electric, autonomous, four-seat eVTOL air taxi. The firm notes that this vehicle is for passenger transport, which also includes space for luggage. This latest-generation aircraft also ensures accessibility for those with disabilities. Below are additional key specifications for this aircraft:

  • Operation: Autonomous (self-flying) with human oversight
  • Cruising Altitude: 2500 – 4000 feet above ground level
  • Dimensions: <50 foot wingspan
  • Range: 90 miles (with reserves) / 144 kilometers
  • Cruising Speed: 110-120 knots
  • Charge Time: 15 minutes
  • Seats: 4 and room for carry-on luggage items

What are your thoughts on this latest announcement by Wish Aero and Japan Airlines? Share your thoughts by leaving a comment!

  • Japan-Airlines-Q1-Loss-Falls
    Japan Airlines
    IATA/ICAO Code:
    JL/JAL
    Airline Type:
    Full Service Carrier
    Hub(s):
    Tokyo Haneda Airport, Tokyo Narita Airport
    Year Founded:
    1951
    Alliance:
    oneworld
    CEO:
    Yuji Akasaka
    Country:
    Japan