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Boeing invests $450 million in flying taxi developer Wisk

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Wisk Cora eVTOL

Source: Wisk Aero

Boeing According to the U.S. aero giant, Wisk Aero will be investing an additional $450m in Wisk Aero to help develop future pilotless flying taxis.

Wisk in California, which is owned by Boeing and Kitty Hawk, the Air Vehicle Company founded by Larry Page. Wisk was one of many electric vertical takeoff-and-landing (eVTOL), makers. But it differs by focusing on autonomous flight.

Marc Allen, Boeing Chief Strategy Officer and CEO, said that Wisk is the biggest strategic advantage. He believes the aircraft will fly autonomously, following the principles of Wisk’s design.

This decision to jumpfrog an upcoming generation of piloted electric VTOL aircraft, being developed independently by startups or other aerospace organizations, will lead to a later service entry than was planned by many competitors.

Boeing did not give an exact date, however industry sources indicated that the plan was to submit it for certification around 2028.

Boeing stated that the autonomous vehicle would become the first passenger-carrying vehicle in America to receive certification.

Wisk stated that Boeing’s $450 million investment would help it become “one of most well-funded” companies in its industry, without providing further information.

Following a string of SPAC mergers worth billions made by rivals in an era that is now cooling, the fundraising was done.

Wisk Cora eVTOL

Source: Wisk Aero

Analysts state that the uncertainty around the certification process remains the biggest source of uncertainty for the industry. Its debuts were made in California. Joby ArcherEuropean counterparts LiliumVertical Aerospace

Boeing holds an undisclosed percentage of Wisk.

This isn’t the first aerospace company to partner with Silicon Valley. Its collaboration will help to reduce development costs, foster innovation and encourage a collaborative approach.

Allen stated in an interview that “the kinds of constant demand shiftings that will accompany these new industries really do require broad cooperation across those within industry who have different capabilities together.”

It is not only that the U.S. aerospace industry giant, which has a high debt level, but also tends to be more inclined to share know-how about broad capabilities such as autonomy, advanced production processes and other technologies, than attempting control over all of it in-house.

Allen answered a question about whether there might be additional partnerships in Boeing’s core aviation activities. “I am certain it won’t be the only one.”

Boeing may make investments in the company, which could lead to improvements across Boeing’s portfolio.

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