Technology & Innovation
Wisk and Liebherr Partner to Develop Actuation System for Gen 6 eVTOL
Wisk Aero partners with Liebherr to develop and certify critical actuation systems for its autonomous Gen 6 eVTOL aircraft, advancing urban air mobility.
Wisk and Liebherr Forge Alliance to Advance Autonomous Flight
The landscape of urban air mobility is rapidly evolving, moving from conceptual designs to tangible, production-ready aircraft. In a significant step toward this future, Wisk Aero, a subsidiary of Boeing, has announced a strategic partnership with Liebherr-Aerospace. This collaboration centers on the development and supply of the critical actuation system for Wisk’s Generation 6 eVTOL (electric vertical takeoff and landing) aircraft. The agreement isn’t just a simple supplier contract, it represents a long-term commitment that spans the entire lifecycle of the aircraft, from initial development and rigorous certification processes to full-scale production. This move signals a maturing of the Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) sector, where pioneering companies are now forging alliances with established aerospace titans to ensure the safety, reliability, and certifiability of their innovative designs.
At its core, this partnership is about de-risking the path to market for autonomous, all-electric air taxis. The actuation system is akin to the muscles and nerves of an aircraft, translating pilot or computer commands into physical movement of the flight control surfaces. For an autonomous aircraft, the integrity and reliability of this system are paramount. By selecting Liebherr, a company with a long and proven track record in developing and certifying flight control systems for commercial airliners, Wisk is building a foundation of trust and safety into its Gen 6 aircraft. This collaboration marries Wisk’s agile, forward-thinking approach to autonomous flight with Liebherr’s deep-seated expertise in creating robust, certifiable aerospace hardware, a combination deemed essential for navigating the novel and complex regulatory pathways of eVTOL Certification.
A Partnership Built on Precision and Trust
The agreement tasks Liebherr-Aerospace with providing a comprehensive electro-mechanical actuation system for Wisk’s 6th Generation aircraft. This system is responsible for the precise control of the aircraft’s primary flight surfaces, which include the flaperons, elevators, and rudders. Furthermore, it governs the critical tilting function of the propulsion system, a key mechanism that allows the aircraft to transition seamlessly from vertical takeoff to forward flight. The scope of this partnership underscores the complexity of the technology involved and the high degree of integration required between the hardware and the aircraft’s autonomous flight control software.
Liebherr is not simply providing an off-the-shelf solution. The company is adapting its proprietary modular flight control system, known as LiVCAS®, specifically for the unique architecture of Wisk’s smaller, all-electric aircraft. This customization process involves close collaboration between Wisk’s Avionics and Flight Control System teams and Liebherr’s engineers to ensure a seamless and flawless integration. The manufacturing of these highly specialized components, including the electro-mechanical actuators and their associated electronic units, will take place at Liebherr’s centers of competence in Lindenberg and Lindau, Germany, facilities known for their precision engineering in the aerospace sector.
The emphasis on safety is a recurring theme in this partnership. The actuation system is being designed with inherent redundancy to meet the most stringent aviation safety standards required for certification. This is a non-negotiable aspect of bringing any new aircraft to market, especially one designed for autonomous operation in urban environments. The collaboration leverages Liebherr’s extensive experience in certifying flight control systems for commercial aircraft, a body of knowledge that is invaluable as Wisk works with regulatory bodies like the FAA to certify novel systems for which precedents are still being set.
“The actuation system is one of the most critical systems on our aircraft. Selecting Liebherr, a well-established, world-class aerospace company, as our long-term supplier for this system is a major milestone for the program.” – Eric Haugen, Head of Supply Chain Management at Wisk.
The Broader Implications for Advanced Air Mobility
This strategic agreement between Wisk and Liebherr is more than just a headline for the two companies, it’s a barometer for the health and trajectory of the entire AAM industry. It demonstrates a clear shift from speculative designs and prototypes to the establishment of a robust, certifiable supply chain. For the AAM sector to succeed, it must prove that its aircraft are as safe, if not safer, than traditional commercial aviation. Partnering with established Tier 1 suppliers like Liebherr is a critical step in building that case and gaining the trust of regulators and the public alike.
The collaboration model itself sets a powerful precedent. It showcases how innovative, software-driven companies like Wisk can effectively partner with legacy hardware experts to accelerate development without compromising on safety or quality. This symbiotic relationship allows each party to focus on its core competencies. Wisk can continue to pioneer its autonomous flight systems, while Liebherr provides the certified, reliable hardware backbone. This approach mitigates risk and leverages decades of institutional knowledge in aerospace manufacturing and certification.
Looking ahead, the success of this partnership will be a key enabler for Wisk’s goal of launching one of the industry’s first autonomous, all-electric air taxi services. As the Gen 6 aircraft moves closer to certification and production, the reliability of components like the Liebherr actuation system will be under intense scrutiny. A successful outcome will not only pave the way for Wisk but will also provide a valuable roadmap for other eVTOL companies navigating the complex journey from concept to commercial operation.
A Glimpse into the Future of Flight
The alliance between Wisk Aero and Liebherr-Aerospace is a foundational piece in the puzzle of future urban air mobility. It represents a pragmatic and safety-conscious approach to realizing a technology that promises to reshape how we move through our cities. By securing a long-term Partnerships for one of the most critical systems on its aircraft, Wisk has taken a significant leap forward, solidifying its supply chain and reinforcing its commitment to meeting the highest standards of aviation safety. This move is indicative of a broader industry trend, where the pioneers of AAM are increasingly turning to the established giants of aerospace to bring their visions to life.
Ultimately, the journey to autonomous air taxis flying over our cities will be built on a series of such deliberate, strategic collaborations. The integration of Liebherr’s proven hardware with Wisk’s innovative autonomous systems is a testament to the idea that the future of flight will be co-authored by both the disruptors and the established leaders of the aerospace industry. As these partnerships mature and the technology is proven through rigorous testing and certification, the prospect of safe, everyday autonomous flight for everyone moves one step closer to reality.
FAQ
Question: What is the significance of the partnership between Wisk Aero and Liebherr-Aerospace?
Answer: This long-term strategic partnership is significant because it pairs Wisk, an innovator in autonomous electric aircraft, with Liebherr, a world-class aerospace supplier with deep experience in certifying critical flight control systems. It’s a major step in de-risking the development and certification of Wisk’s Generation 6 eVTOL aircraft.
Question: What specific system is Liebherr-Aerospace providing?
Answer: Liebherr is developing and supplying the complete electro-mechanical actuation system. This system controls the aircraft’s primary flight surfaces (flaperons, elevators, rudders) and the tilting of its propulsion units, which is essential for transitioning between vertical and forward flight.
Question: Why is the actuation system so critical for an autonomous aircraft?
Answer: In any aircraft, the actuation system is vital for control. In an autonomous, pilotless aircraft like Wisk’s, its reliability and redundancy are even more critical. The system must flawlessly execute commands from the flight computer to ensure the aircraft’s stability and safety at all times, meeting the highest aviation safety standards for certification.
Sources: Wisk Aero Press Release
Photo Credit: Wisk Aero – Montage
Technology & Innovation
Joby Aviation and Toyota Form eVTOL Manufacturing Joint Venture
Joby Aviation and Toyota establish a joint venture to manufacture the S4 eVTOL, with Toyota holding a 51% stake.
Joby Aviation, Inc. (JOBY) and Toyota Motor Corporation (TM) have formalized their nearly decade-long partnership by establishing a joint venture to manufacture electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. The new entity, named the Joby Toyota Aero Manufacturing Preparation Company, will focus on scaling commercial production of the Joby S4 Series eVTOL aircraft.
Announced in a press release on June 30, 2026, following a U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) 8-K filing on June 29, 2026, the alliance combines Joby’s electric aviation technology with Toyota’s established production systems expertise. The joint venture will operate across locations in Santa Cruz, California, and Toyota City, Japan.
Joint venture structure and financial stakes
Toyota holds a 51 percent majority stake in the new manufacturing company, acquired through the purchase of 1.02 million shares for $1.02 million. Joby retains the remaining 49 percent stake, having purchased 980,000 shares for $980,000. The joint venture will be governed by a five-member board of directors, with three members designated by Toyota and two designated by Joby.
The agreement includes specific intellectual property licensing arrangements between the two parent companies. Joby will license certain aircraft-related intellectual property to the joint venture on a royalty-free basis. In return, Toyota will license manufacturing-related intellectual property to the venture, which includes certain royalty-bearing rights.
Scaling eVTOL production
The formal joint venture builds upon a foundation of significant financial and technical support from the Japanese automaker. Toyota has provided approximately $900 million in total capital to Joby to date. The automaker is already providing technical assistance as Joby establishes a series production line for the S4 eVTOL aircraft at a facility in Ohio.
In the June 30 press release, Joby Aviation founder and CEO JoeBen Bevirt highlighted the depth of the corporate relationship.
“Toyota has been by Joby’s side for nearly a decade, providing invaluable guidance and support as we built the foundation for Manufacturing our aircraft. Today’s announcement reflects the strength of our relationship and our shared confidence in the opportunity ahead.”
Toyota Motor Corporation Chairman Akio Toyoda stated that the company views air mobility as a natural extension of its philosophy of providing mobility for all, expanding its focus from the ground into the sky to bring new value to society.
Certification progress and next steps
The manufacturing alliance aligns with Joby’s ongoing Certification efforts with the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). During the first quarter of 2026, Joby began flying its first FAA-conforming aircraft for type inspection authorization. This testing phase is a required step as the company works toward achieving full FAA type certification for the S4 Series.
With the joint venture now legally established, the two companies will begin integrating their engineering and manufacturing teams across the California and Japan facilities to prepare for high-volume aircraft production.
AirPro News analysis
We view the formalization of the Joby Toyota Aero Manufacturing Preparation Company as a critical de-risking event for Joby’s production ambitions. While designing and certifying an eVTOL aircraft presents significant regulatory hurdles, manufacturing these vehicles at scale with automotive-style efficiency is an entirely different challenge that has historically troubled aerospace Startups. By securing a majority-stake commitment from Toyota, Joby gains direct access to one of the world’s most proven manufacturing systems. Furthermore, the intellectual property arrangement, where Toyota retains royalty-bearing rights on its manufacturing processes, suggests the automaker sees long-term revenue potential in aerospace production beyond its initial capital Investments.
Photo Credit: Joby Aviation
Sustainable Aviation
KBR Selected for Asia’s First Ethanol-to-Jet SAF Plant in Singapore
KBR will provide PureSAF technology licensing and FEED services for a 100,000-ton/year SAF facility on Jurong Island, Singapore.
On June 29, 2026, KBR announced its selection by Keppel Ltd. and Aster Chemicals and Energy to provide technology licensing and Front-End Engineering Design (FEED) services for a proposed 100,000-ton-per-year SAF (SAF) facility on Jurong Island, Singapore.
The planned facility is envisioned as Asia’s first commercial-scale ethanol-to-jet (EtJ) SAF plant. According to the KBR press release, the project will utilize the company’s PureSAF technology to produce a 100% drop-in jet fuel, supporting Singapore’s national mandate to increase sustainability usage across the aviation sector.
PureSAF technology and project scope
The Jurong Island facility will leverage PureSAF, a technology originally developed by Swedish Biofuels AB and engineered for commercial-scale production by KBR, which holds the exclusive global license. The process is designed to convert ethanol into aviation fuel that requires no blending with conventional Jet A or Jet A-1 before use.
In a statement accompanying the announcement, KBR President and CEO Stuart Bradie highlighted the system’s flexibility.
“KBR’s PureSAF is a feedstock-flexible, bankable technology that is designed to deliver a 100% drop in jet fuel, ready to power aircraft without blending. We are constantly innovating our SAF solution to make it compatible with feedstock availability in different regions and to enable the aviation industry to transition to low-carbon jet fuel with a cost-optimized approach.”
The FEED study will determine the technical configuration and project capital expenditure required for the facility. The development remains subject to regulatory approvals and a final investment decision (FID) by the project partners.
Aligning with Singapore’s aviation mandates
The selection of KBR follows a January 28, 2026, agreement between Keppel’s Infrastructure Division and Aster to jointly assess the development of the Jurong Island site. Aster operates as a joint venture between Indonesian petrochemical company Chandra Asri and Swiss commodities trader Glencore.
The proposed 100,000-ton annual production capacity aligns directly with targets set by the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS). Starting in 2026, the CAAS mandates a 1% SAF uplift for all departing flights from the country, with a stated goal of increasing that requirement to between 3% and 5% by 2030.
Alongside the SAF plant contract, KBR and Keppel signed a Memorandum of Intent to collaborate on broader energy transition initiatives. The companies plan to explore technologies related to waste-to-energy, plastic recycling, biofuels, and artificial intelligence-driven digitalization.
AirPro News analysis
We view the progression of the Jurong Island project to the FEED stage as a critical indicator of the Asia-Pacific region’s readiness to scale SAF production. While North America and Europe have led early SAF capacity investments, Singapore’s firm regulatory mandate provides the demand certainty required to underwrite commercial-scale facilities in Southeast Asia. The choice of an ethanol-to-jet pathway is particularly notable, as it allows operators to bypass the constrained supply of fats, oils, and greases that limit hydroprocessed esters and fatty acids (HEFA) production volumes. The project’s ultimate realization hinges on the upcoming final investment decision, which will test the commercial viability of the EtJ process in the current economic environment.
Sources: KBR
Photo Credit: KBR
Technology & Innovation
Mako Aerospace Indicates $28M Series A for Electric Jet Engine
Scottish startup Mako Aerospace indicates a $28M Series A to advance its superconductor-based all-electric jet engine prototype.
Mako Aerospace, a Scottish aerospace startups developing all-electric jet engine technology, has indicated the closure of a $28 million Series A funding round to advance its propulsion systems.
A URL published on the company’s domain outlines the capital injection for the Dunfermline-based manufacturers. Mako Aerospace is currently developing “The Forerunner,” an all-electric jet engine prototype utilizing superconductor technology designed to extend the range of electric aircraft.
Advancing all-electric propulsion
Led by Chief Executive Officer Kieran Duncan and Chief Operations Officer Pia Saelen, Mako Aerospace is focused on reducing operating expenses for aircraft operators. The company targets a 70% reduction in fuel costs compared to traditional turboprop engines using its proprietary technology.
In September 2022, Mako Aerospace announced a partnerships with the National Manufacturing Institute Scotland (NMIS) to manufacture the prototype of its electric jet engine. The reported $28 million Series A would provide the capital required to scale this development and pursue experimental certification for the propulsion system.
Funding verification and industry context
The $28 million funding figure originates from a dedicated URL on the Mako Aerospace website. The primary press release is not currently accessible through public web searches, and the funding round has not yet been confirmed by regulatory filings or secondary financial press.
If completed, a $28 million Series A represents a substantial investments in the electric aviation sector. Startups developing novel propulsion systems require significant early-stage capital to transition from conceptual design to physical prototyping and testing.
AirPro News analysis
We note that while the $28 million figure is substantial for a regional aerospace startup at this stage, the lack of accessible public filings or widespread syndication of the press release warrants caution. Developing an all-electric jet engine using superconductors is a highly capital-intensive process. If the funding is fully realized, it will likely bridge the gap between the NMIS-supported prototype phase and initial ground testing. Certification by aviation authorities remains a distant and expensive hurdle for any novel propulsion technology.
Sources: Mako Aerospace
Photo Credit: Mako
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