Boeing Acquires Full Ownership of eVTOL Manufacturer Wisk Aero, Airbus Surpasses April Deliveries in May, and More

Aviation news brief June 8

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Boeing Acquires Full Ownership of eVTOL Manufacturer Wisk Aero

Boeing has fully acquired Wisk Aero, an electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) manufacturer, after purchasing the remaining shares from Kitty Hawk Corporation. 

Despite becoming a wholly-owned subsidiary of Boeing, Wisk will maintain its independence and continue its objective of developing the first autonomous eVTOL vehicle certified in the US. 

Wisk is also working with the FAA on Part 135 and type certification, targeting a 2028 certification date. 

Wisk CEO Brian Yutko suggests that manned eVTOLs will likely debut before autonomous models, although unmanned aircraft are expected to eventually dominate the market. source

Australia’s Hydrogen Flight Alliance

Australia's aviation and hydrogen industries have inaugurated the Hydrogen Flight Alliance (HFA) in Brisbane, aiming to pioneer the industry's shift to net-zero by 2050. 

The HFA initially plans to facilitate Australia's first commercial, emission-free, hydrogen-powered flight from Brisbane to Gladstone Airport in 2026. This venture will be facilitated by Skytrans Airlines, utilizing a Brisbane-manufactured, 15-seat Stralis B1900D-HE aircraft. 

The alliance is a collaboration of industry leaders, including Stralis Aircraft, Brisbane and Gladstone Airports, and various educational and energy institutions, working towards the establishment of a hydrogen flight ecosystem and emission-free aircraft production in Australia. source