Air taxi plans taking off

A self-flying, all-electric air taxi will soon be seen in the skies above Canterbury as part of a world-first trial.

The New Zealand government and Wisk, an urban air mobility company, have announced a memorandum of understanding to establish a passenger transport trial. 

The scheme will use Wisk’s aircraft, called Cora, which is designed for two passengers and has a range of about 40km and can reach speeds of up to 160kph.

In October 2019, the government announced plans to work with international industry partners to test and demonstrate unmanned aircraft. Wisk, based in the United States and New Zealand, has now been announced as the first partner to join this program.

Gary Gysin, Wisk CEO, says: “We see this agreement as a sign of confidence in our product and abilities to develop and deliver a safe and reliable air taxi service, starting in New Zealand.

“We are excited about what this agreement and trial represents in our journey to bring safe everyday flight to everyone.”

Megan Woods, the Minister for Research, Science and Innovation, adds: “We share Wisk’s vision of a greener, emission-free way for Kiwis and visitors to New Zealand to get around. Enabling the emergence of an entirely electric air taxi service is a natural fit with New Zealand’s zero carbon goal by 2050.”

Planning for the Canterbury trial is under way and will begin once Cora receives certification from the New Zealand Civil Aviation Authority.