Autonomous air taxis are revving up in Miami—here's what to know
Here's the flight plan: Wisk and the Miami-Dade Aviation Department signed a deal in June to start prepping for takeoff. That means identifying key locations, including MIA, Opa-locka Executive and Miami Executive Airports, for 'vertiports' where these electric, self-flying aircraft can land, lift off and shuttle passengers across South Florida without the hassle of highways. No county funds are being used to get the project off the ground.
Wisk's sixth-generation model is designed to seat four people (plus luggage), lifts off like a helicopter, cruises like a plane and flies without a pilot. But don't worry—each flight is monitored by a human on the ground from a command center. And while these futuristic rides won't replace your Uber tomorrow, Wisk hopes to earn FAA certification by 2030.
The goal is to make zipping from Miami to Fort Lauderdale as easy (and affordable) as calling a car, minus the bumper-to-bumper crawl on I-95. Each aircraft can fly about 90 miles on a single charge and the company's targeting prices on par with rideshares.
This isn't Miami's first brush with next-gen tech: MIA has also rolled out autonomous wheelchairs and navigation apps for visually impaired travelers. Now, with Wisk on board, the city is leaning all the way into its 'tech hub meets tropical playground' identity.
The University of Miami is also joining the party. Through its Engineering and Aviation Mobility Initiative, the school will work with Wisk on research and development, focusing on operations, regulations, safety and battery technologies.
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