Technology & Innovation
Wisk Aero and Signature Aviation Partner to Develop Autonomous Air Mobility Infrastructure
Wisk Aero and Signature Aviation collaborate to build vertiport infrastructure for autonomous eVTOL operations, advancing Advanced Air Mobility in the US.
The partnership between Wisk Aero and Signature Aviation marks a significant milestone in the evolution of Advanced Air Mobility (AAM). Announced on August 13, 2025, this collaboration is one of the first to unite a leading autonomous eVTOL aircraft developer with the world’s largest private aviation terminal network. The alliance aims to proactively develop vertiport infrastructure and operational frameworks for integrating autonomous electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft across Signature Aviation’s global network, including key U.S. launch markets such as Houston, Los Angeles, and Miami.
With a focus on strategic planning, the partnership will assess the feasibility of vertiport development, evaluate commercial and regulatory requirements, and initiate pilot projects, starting with Ellington Airport in Houston. This move addresses the growing need for specialized AAM infrastructure and positions both companies at the forefront of an industry that, according to market research, could reach a global valuation of $27 billion by 2034.
The collaboration not only sets a precedent for infrastructure readiness but also reflects a broader trend in aviation modernization, sustainability, and the integration of autonomous technologies into real-world transportation networks.
Advanced Air Mobility is an umbrella term for a new class of highly automated, often electrically powered aircraft capable of vertical takeoff and landing. The FAA defines AAM as encompassing aircraft used for transporting passengers and cargo, firefighting, and search and rescue, with most falling into the “powered-lift” or air taxi category. The sector’s emergence is rooted in technological advances in battery systems, electric propulsion, and autonomous flight controls, solutions to urban congestion, environmental sustainability, and the demand for faster, more flexible transportation.
Wisk Aero’s journey mirrors the industry’s rapid evolution. Since its technological roots in 2010, Wisk has developed and flown six generations of eVTOL aircraft, accumulating over 1,750 test flights. Notable milestones include the first piloted eVTOL hover in 2016, the first piloted eVTOL transition in 2017, and the first tandem piloted and autonomous eVTOL flight later that year. These achievements highlight the sector’s progression from prototypes to commercially viable, autonomous vehicles.
The global eVTOL market was valued at about $3.5 billion in 2024, with forecasts suggesting growth to nearly $27 billion by 2034. This expansion is fueled by urbanization, government sustainability initiatives, and increasing private investment, particularly from aerospace giants. Regulatory bodies like the FAA are actively developing certification and infrastructure standards, further supporting the sector’s growth trajectory.
Wisk Aero, founded as a joint venture between Boeing and Kitty Hawk in 2019, is a pioneer in autonomous eVTOL technology. Its headquarters in Mountain View, California, serve as a hub for over 500 employees dedicated to developing the first fully autonomous, passenger-carrying eVTOL aircraft for commercial use. Wisk’s “straight-to-autonomy” approach sets it apart from competitors who plan to transition from piloted to autonomous operations.
The company’s Generation 6 aircraft, unveiled in 2022, is designed for four passengers, features 12 distributed electric propellers, and can cruise at 138 mph for up to 90 miles. Its battery system recharges in about 15 minutes, and redundancy is built into every critical system to ensure safety. Wisk’s acquisition of SkyGrid, an airspace integration software specialist, further strengthens its ability to manage both aircraft autonomy and digital airspace. Wisk’s focus on safety, accessibility, and regulatory compliance is underscored by its direct collaboration with the FAA for type certification. A $450 million investment from Boeing in 2022 has solidified Wisk’s position as one of the most well-funded AAM companies globally.
“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.”, Dan Dalton, VP of Global Partnerships, Wisk Aero
Signature Aviation operates over 200 private aviation terminals across 27 countries, making it the world’s largest aviation hospitality provider. Its facilities support business and private aviation with services including refueling, hangarage, maintenance, and passenger amenities. Signature’s infrastructure is uniquely positioned to support eVTOL operations, as many locations already have the necessary electrical and ground support capabilities.
The company is also a global leader in sustainable aviation fuel distribution and operates over 16 million square feet of carbon-neutral office and hangar space. Signature’s BRAVO membership program, expanded globally in 2024, demonstrates its customer-focused approach and ability to adapt to evolving industry needs.
Facilities such as those at San Francisco International Airport exemplify Signature’s readiness, with executive terminals, conference rooms, and large-capacity hangars. This operational sophistication, combined with a commitment to sustainability and modernization, makes Signature an ideal partner for AAM integration.
The Memorandum of Understanding between Wisk and Signature Aviation establishes a framework for developing vertiport infrastructure and operational procedures tailored to autonomous eVTOL operations. The first pilot project at Ellington Airport in Houston involves designing vertiport concepts, operational workflows, and infrastructure requirements specific to Wisk’s Generation 6 aircraft.
This initiative builds on Wisk’s existing collaborations with local authorities in Texas and serves as a model for future deployments across Signature’s network. The partnership is not limited to infrastructure; it also encompasses the development of safety protocols, commercial agreements, and passenger experience enhancements.
Regulatory guidance for vertiport design, such as the FAA’s Engineering Brief 105A, provides a foundation for these projects. Construction costs for vertiports can range from $100,000 for modular facilities to $12 million for large urban vertihubs, depending on complexity and location. Operating costs and energy demands are significant considerations, especially as eVTOL fleets require robust charging infrastructure.
The AAM market is projected to grow rapidly, with the eVTOL segment expected to reach $27 billion by 2034. Urban air mobility, a subset of AAM, is forecasted to expand from $4.38 billion in 2024 to $14.68 billion by 2029, driven by urbanization, technological advancement, and the need for efficient transportation alternatives. Multirotor eVTOLs currently dominate the market due to their adaptability, but as technology matures, more advanced designs like Wisk’s Generation 6 are likely to gain market share. Investment from major aerospace companies, such as Boeing, underscores confidence in the sector’s long-term potential.
Regional adoption is expected to begin in North America and Europe, with Asia-Pacific markets following as regulatory environments mature. Governments are supporting AAM through subsidies and infrastructure modernization, recognizing its potential economic and environmental benefits.
“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.”, Derek DeCross, Chief Commercial Officer, Signature Aviation
Certification and regulatory approval remain significant hurdles for AAM deployment. The FAA is working to adapt existing regulations for powered-lift and autonomous aircraft, but progress has been slow due to the complexity of integrating new technologies into established frameworks. The lack of consensus on certification paths has led to delays and uncertainty for manufacturers.
Despite these challenges, the FAA has issued guidance for vertiport design and is collaborating with industry stakeholders to develop operational standards. Programs like Virginia Tech’s Smart Airspace initiative are pioneering new instrument flight procedures tailored to AAM, aiming to ensure safe integration with existing airspace.
Wisk’s direct engagement with regulators and its focus on safety and redundancy in aircraft design position it well to navigate these challenges. The company’s “straight-to-autonomy” strategy requires robust data, extensive testing, and transparent collaboration with authorities.
The Wisk Aero and Signature Aviation partnership sets a new standard for the integration of autonomous Advanced Air Mobility into established aviation infrastructure. By combining Wisk’s technological leadership in autonomous eVTOL aircraft with Signature’s global network and operational expertise, the collaboration addresses critical challenges related to infrastructure, regulatory compliance, and commercial viability.
As the AAM industry moves toward commercialization, partnerships like this will be essential for scaling operations, building public trust, and demonstrating the value of autonomous air transportation. The success of the Wisk-Signature alliance will likely influence the broader industry and accelerate the adoption of sustainable, efficient, and accessible air mobility solutions in urban environments.
What is Advanced Air Mobility (AAM)? What is the significance of the Wisk and Signature Aviation partnership? What are vertiports and why are they important? What are the main challenges facing AAM deployment? How soon could autonomous air taxis become commercially available? Sources: Wisk Aero Press Release, Signature Aviation, FAA
Wisk Aero and Signature Aviation Partnership: Pioneering Infrastructure for Autonomous Advanced Air Mobility Operations
Advanced Air Mobility: Industry Foundation and Evolution
Wisk Aero: Corporate Profile and Technological Leadership
Signature Aviation: Network Infrastructure and Market Position
Strategic Partnership Implementation and Vertiport Development
Market Analysis and Economic Projections
Regulatory and Technical Challenges
Conclusion
FAQ
Advanced Air Mobility refers to a new class of highly automated, often electric aircraft designed for short-distance passenger and cargo transport, including vertical takeoff and landing operations.
This partnership is one of the first to focus on developing infrastructure and operational frameworks specifically for autonomous eVTOL operations at a global scale, setting a precedent for industry adoption and regulatory collaboration.
Vertiports are specialized facilities designed for the takeoff, landing, charging, and maintenance of eVTOL aircraft. They are critical for enabling the safe and efficient operation of Advanced Air Mobility services in urban environments.
Key challenges include regulatory certification, infrastructure development, integration with existing airspace, public acceptance, and achieving commercial viability through efficient operations and cost management.
While timelines depend on regulatory approval and infrastructure readiness, industry leaders anticipate initial deployments in select markets within the next few years, subject to successful certification and pilot projects.
Photo Credit: Wisk Aero
Technology & Innovation
Joby Aviation and Metropolis Develop 25 US Vertiports for eVTOL Launch
Joby Aviation partners with Metropolis Technologies to retrofit parking garages into 25 vertiports across US cities, supporting a 2026 eVTOL commercial launch.
This article is based on an official press release from Joby Aviation.
Joby Aviation has announced a significant infrastructure partnership with Metropolis Technologies to develop a network of 25 vertiports across the United States. The collaboration aims to repurpose existing parking infrastructure into “mobility hubs” to support the commercial launch of electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft.
According to the company’s announcement, the partnership will leverage Metropolis’s extensive portfolio of parking facilities to create takeoff and landing sites in key metropolitan areas. By retrofitting existing structures rather than building new terminals from the ground up, Joby intends to accelerate the deployment of its air taxi service, which is currently targeting a commercial launch in 2026.
The initiative addresses one of the most critical challenges in the Urban Air Mobility (UAM) sector: the “last mile” connection. The integration of ground and air travel is designed to offer passengers a seamless transition from their vehicles to Joby’s aircraft, utilizing advanced artificial intelligence to streamline the process.
The core strategy of this partnership involves identifying and upgrading sites within Metropolis’s network, which expanded significantly following its recent acquisition of SP+. With access to over 4,200 parking facilities, the companies plan to select prime locations in high-density urban centers such as Los Angeles, San Francisco, and New York City.
Joby Aviation stated that this retrofit approach offers a distinct advantage over constructing standalone vertiports. By utilizing the top decks of existing parking garages, the partners can reduce upfront construction costs and navigate zoning requirements more efficiently. These sites will be designed to meet the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) Engineering Brief 105A, which outlines the specific design standards for vertiport geometry, marking, and load-bearing capacity.
“For air taxis to deliver on their promise of seamless urban travel, they must connect directly with the existing ground transportation ecosystem. By leveraging existing parking infrastructure… we can maximize the value of those sites without needing to build infrastructure from scratch.”
, JoeBen Bevirt, Founder and CEO of Joby Aviation
Beyond physical infrastructure, the partnership emphasizes the integration of Metropolis’s proprietary technology. The company utilizes AI-powered computer vision to manage facility access and payments. In the context of air travel, this technology aims to facilitate a “drive-in, fly-out” experience. According to the release, cameras will recognize a passenger’s vehicle upon entry, automatically processing parking fees and initiating the check-in process for their flight. This system is intended to eliminate the need for physical tickets, gates, or kiosks, aligning with the industry’s push for a frictionless passenger experience.
“The real world is the next frontier for AI… We are taking the data and recognition capabilities we’ve built in our network and extending it to air travel, creating the seamless, personalized, and magical experience that is the foundation of the Recognition Economy.”
, Alex Israel, CEO of Metropolis Technologies
While the construction of full vertiports is a longer-term project targeting 2026, the partnership includes immediate operational steps. Metropolis subsidiary Bags Inc. will begin providing VIP baggage handling services for Blade Urban Air Mobility, a partner of Joby Aviation, in New York City. This service will support flights between Manhattan and major airports such as JFK and Newark.
Los Angeles has been identified as a primary market for the initial vertiport rollout. The companies are currently evaluating downtown parking structures that can be adapted to support high-frequency air taxi operations. This focus on Los Angeles aligns with Joby’s broader strategy to establish a foothold in regions with high traffic congestion, where the time-saving value of eVTOL aircraft is most apparent.
We observe that this partnership represents a divergent strategy in the race for UAM infrastructure. While competitors like Archer Aviation have partnered with Atlantic Aviation to electrify existing private aviation terminals (FBOs), Joby is betting on bringing aircraft closer to the consumer’s daily commute via parking garages.
The “retrofit” model proposed by Joby and Metropolis may offer scalability advantages. Parking garages are ubiquitous in city centers, whereas private air terminals are typically located on the periphery at airports. If successful, this approach could allow Joby to penetrate dense urban cores more deeply than competitors relying solely on airport-based infrastructure.
However, we note that retrofitting parking decks presents its own engineering challenges, particularly regarding the structural reinforcement required to handle the weight and dynamic loads of landing aircraft, as well as the installation of high-voltage charging infrastructure in older buildings.
Transforming Parking Garages into Mobility Hubs
Integration of AI Technology
Immediate Rollout and Strategic Markets
AirPro News Analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
Sources
Photo Credit: Joby Aviation
Technology & Innovation
Vertical Aerospace Targets Full VX4 Transition Flight in Early 2026
Vertical Aerospace advances VX4 flight tests with 10 piloted flights completed; full transition now targeted for early 2026 amid regulatory updates.
This article is based on an official press release from Vertical Aerospace and includes analysis based on publicly available financial filings.
On December 19, 2025, Vertical Aerospace released a significant operational update regarding the flight testing of its full-scale VX4 prototype. According to the company, the engineering team has successfully completed 10 piloted test flights since receiving a “Permit to Fly” from the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) in November. While the company reports expanding the majority of the flight envelope, the critical milestone of full piloted transition, switching completely from vertical hover to wing-borne cruise, has not yet been achieved.
The Bristol-based eVTOL (electric vertical take-off and landing) manufacturer stated that weather constraints and limited testing windows have pushed the target for full transition into early 2026. This update comes shortly after the company unveiled “Valo,” its production-intent aircraft, earlier this month.
Since resuming flight activities on November 13, 2025, Vertical Aerospace reports that the VX4 prototype has undergone rigorous testing to validate its handling and safety systems. The press release highlights that the aircraft has successfully performed acceleration and deceleration maneuvers and tested various tilt positions for its rotors.
According to Vertical Aerospace, the Test-Flights campaign has achieved several specific technical milestones:
The testing program has successfully validated the in-flight deployment and stowing of rear propellers, propeller spin-up during wing-borne flight, and “prop-hold” functionality.
The company notes that the “majority of the transition envelope” has now been expanded, leaving only the final 10% of the tilt transition untested. The completion of this final phase is required to demonstrate the aircraft’s ability to fly purely on wing lift, a defining characteristic of viable eVTOL technology.
Alongside the flight test updates, Vertical Aerospace announced a regulatory achievement involving the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). The Regulations has granted the company new privileges allowing it to approve its own “Flight Conditions” and issue Permits to Fly for specific scenarios.
In the press release, the company framed this development as a signal of regulatory confidence in their design and engineering processes. This authorization is expected to streamline future testing phases by reducing the administrative lead time required for certain flight approvals. It is important for industry observers to distinguish between the aircraft currently undergoing testing and the product Vertical Aerospace intends to bring to market. The operational update refers specifically to the VX4 prototype, which serves as a testbed for data gathering. However, the commercial future of the company rests on “Valo,” the production model unveiled around December 10, 2025.
While the VX4 validates the core physics and control laws, Valo features a redesigned airframe, updated wing architecture, and an under-floor battery system. The delay in the VX4’s full transition means that critical aerodynamic data needed to finalize Valo’s Certification profile, targeted for 2028, will not be fully available until the prototype completes its envelope expansion in 2026.
The delay of the full transition flight places Vertical Aerospace behind its primary United States competitors in terms of technical milestones. Competitors such as Joby Aviation and Archer Aviation successfully completed full piloted transition flights earlier in 2025. Furthermore, the European market saw a significant contraction earlier this year with the reported insolvency of Lilium in February 2025, highlighting the capital-intensive nature of the sector.
Financial-Results sustainability remains a key focus for Vertical Aerospace. According to the company’s Q3 2025 Business & Strategy Update, Vertical reported a cash position of approximately $117 million. Based on current burn rates, the company projects this capital will fund operations until mid-2026.
With certification slated for 2028, this creates a “funding gap” that the company will need to address. The shift of the transition milestone to 2026 may influence investor sentiment, as the market often looks to technical achievements as validation for further capital injection.
What is the difference between the VX4 and Valo? When will Vertical Aerospace achieve full transition? What is the company’s current financial runway?
Vertical Aerospace Updates VX4 Flight Test Progress; Full Transition Targeted for Early 2026
VX4 Flight Testing Achievements
Regulatory Developments
Strategic Context and Market Position
AirPro News Analysis: The VX4 vs. Valo Distinction
AirPro News Analysis: Financial and Competitive Landscape
Frequently Asked Questions
The VX4 is the current full-scale prototype used for flight testing and validation. Valo is the recently unveiled production-intent aircraft that Vertical Aerospace plans to manufacture commercially, featuring design improvements based on VX4 data.
The company has rescheduled the full piloted transition flight, where the aircraft switches from vertical lift to wing-borne flight, for early 2026, citing weather and scheduling constraints.
As of the Q3 2025 update, Vertical Aerospace holds approximately $117 million in cash, which is projected to sustain operations until mid-2026.
Sources
Photo Credit: Vertical Aerospace
Technology & Innovation
Eve Air Mobility Completes First Flight of Full-Scale eVTOL Prototype
Eve Air Mobility conducted a successful first flight of its full-scale eVTOL prototype in Brazil, validating key systems ahead of 2027 certification.
This article is based on an official press release from Eve Air Mobility.
On December 19, 2025, Eve Air Mobility achieved a critical milestone in the development of its electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. The company, a subsidiary of Brazilian aerospace giant Embraer, successfully conducted the first flight of its full-scale prototype at the Embraer test facility in Gavião Peixoto, São Paulo, Brazil.
This uncrewed hover flight validates the fundamental architecture of the aircraft, which utilizes a “Lift + Cruise” configuration distinct from the tilt-rotor designs favored by some competitors. According to the company’s official statement, the test confirmed the functionality of the electric propulsion system and the 5th-generation fly-by-wire controls, performing exactly as computer models had predicted.
While Eve Air Mobility is entering the flight-test phase later than some of its primary rivals, the successful deployment of a full-scale prototype signals the company’s transition from design to execution. With a target Entry into Service (EIS) set for 2027, Eve is leveraging Embraer’s industrial backing to accelerate its Certification program.
The test conducted in Gavião Peixoto was a dedicated hover flight. This specific profile is designed to test the vertical lift capabilities of the aircraft before attempting forward wing-borne flight. The prototype utilized eight dedicated vertical lift rotors to maintain a stable hover, allowing engineers to assess aerodynamic performance and control laws in real-world conditions.
Johann Bordais, CEO of Eve Air Mobility, emphasized the significance of the event in a statement released by the company:
“Today, Eve flew… This flight validates our plan, which has been executed with precision to deliver the best solution for the market.”
Following this successful hover test, the company plans to expand the flight envelope throughout 2026. This will involve transitioning from vertical lift to forward flight, powered by the rear pusher propeller, and testing the aircraft’s fixed wing for cruise efficiency.
The prototype flown represents the configuration intended for commercial certification. Unlike “tilt-rotor” designs that rotate propellers to switch between lift and cruise modes, Eve has opted for a separated “Lift + Cruise” architecture. This design choice prioritizes mechanical simplicity and potentially lower maintenance costs. According to technical specifications released by Eve Air Mobility, the aircraft features:
At AirPro News, we observe that Eve’s successful first flight places it in a unique position within the “race to market.” While competitors like Joby Aviation and Archer Aviation have already logged significant flight hours with full-scale prototypes, including transition flights, Eve’s strategy appears to be one of deliberate, industrial-scale preparation over speed.
The “Lift + Cruise” design philosophy suggests a focus on reliability and operating economics. By avoiding the complex tilting mechanisms found in competitor aircraft, Eve may offer operators a vehicle with fewer moving parts and lower direct maintenance costs. Furthermore, Eve’s relationship with Embraer provides immediate access to a global service and support network, a logistical hurdle that independent Startups must build from scratch.
Despite being arguably the “tortoise” in terms of flight testing timelines, Eve holds the industry’s largest backlog of Letters of Intent (LoI), totaling nearly 3,000 aircraft. This massive order book indicates strong market confidence in Embraer’s ability to deliver a certifiable product.
Looking ahead, Eve Air Mobility has outlined a rigorous schedule for the next two years. The company intends to build five additional conforming prototypes in 2026 to accelerate data collection. These aircraft will be used to accumulate the hundreds of flight hours required for certification authorities.
Luiz Valentini, CTO of Eve, noted the disciplined approach to the upcoming testing phase:
“The prototype behaved as predicted by our models… We will expand the envelope and progress toward transition to wingborne flight in a disciplined manner.”
The company is targeting Type Certification from Brazil’s ANAC in 2027, with concurrent validation sought from the FAA (USA) and EASA (Europe). Commercial deliveries are scheduled to begin immediately following certification.
Eve Air Mobility Successfully Completes First Flight of Full-Scale eVTOL Prototype
Flight Details and Technical Validation
Aircraft Specifications: The “Eve-100”
AirPro News Analysis: The Strategic Landscape
Future Roadmap: Certification and Service
Frequently Asked Questions
Sources
Photo Credit: Embraer
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