Wisk and Signature Aviation Partner to Accelerate Autonomous Advanced Air Mobility Infrastructure

Wisk Aero and Signature Aviation have announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). This partnership marks a significant step forward to proactively develop the infrastructure and operational framework for integrating autonomous Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) operations across Signature Aviation’s global network. This network includes locations in Wisk’s U.S. launch markets: Houston, Los Angeles, and Miami.

The collaboration includes strategic planning efforts to identify and assess the feasibility of vertiport development locations compatible with Wisk’s autonomous AAM operations, a crucial part of planning for autonomy now. This includes conducting detailed exercises to evaluate the commercial, financial, regulatory, technical, and operational processes required to enable Wisk’s autonomous operations at specific Signature Aviation locations.

As a tangible first step, Wisk and Signature Aviation have already initiated a project at Signature Aviation’s facilities at Ellington Airport (EFD) in Houston, Texas. This work focuses on developing vertiport concepts, and defining potential layouts, operational workflows, and infrastructure requirements, including for Wisk’s Gen 6 aircraft and passenger experience. The partnership with Signature will also establish a framework for potential future commercial agreements. The work at EFD represents further expansion of Wisk’s presence in Texas and collaboration with the Houston Airport System and City of Sugar Land.

“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. “As the world’s largest network of private aviation terminals, Signature’s forward-leaning approach to aviation modernization aligns with our vision. Together, we’re building the robust infrastructure and integrated network essential for safe, scaled operations, starting with our focused efforts at Ellington. This collaboration represents a critical pathway toward bringing autonomous air travel to communities.”

“Our partnership with Wisk highlights another step in our ongoing innovation and sustainability leadership in aviation,” said Derek DeCross, chief commercial officer, Signature Aviation. “Advanced air mobility offers a transformative opportunity for our industry, and with Wisk, we’re exploring the infrastructure and strategy needed to extend our exceptional guest experience across the network.”

This partnership underscores the shared vision of Wisk and Signature Aviation to build a safe, efficient, and commercially viable autonomous AAM ecosystem that will enable regional transportation.

Kim Stevens

Kim Stevens is the publisher of State Aviation Journal, which he founded in 2009. A longtime commercial-rated pilot, he was introduced to state aviation in 1992 as Director of the Nebraska Department of Aeronautics, later serving as Deputy Division Director for the Arizona Department of Transportation's Aeronautics Division. From 2013 to 2018, he was Director of Communications and Operations for the National Association of State Aviation Officials (NASAO) in Washington, D.C. Relocating to North Carolina, Kim worked for the Raleigh-Durham International Airport for two years and now concentrates solely on the Journal. Prior to his aviation career, Kim spent a decade in the newspaper and magazine business.