Latest news with #Gen6
Business Wire
07-05-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
Wisk Appoints Sebastien Vigneron as New CEO, Brian Yutko Transitions to Leadership Role Within Boeing
MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Wisk Aero, a leading Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) company and wholly owned subsidiary of Boeing, today announced the appointment of Sebastien Vigneron as its new Chief Executive Officer. Sebastien, who previously served as Wisk's Senior Vice President of Engineering and Programs, will succeed Brian Yutko, who is transitioning to a leadership role within Boeing's Commercial Airplanes Division (BCA). Wisk Appoints Sebastien Vigneron as New CEO, Brian Yutko Transitions to Leadership Role Within Boeing Share Sebastien Vigneron brings a wealth of experience and deep understanding of Wisk's technology and strategic direction to his role as CEO. Previously at Wisk, Sebastien drove Product Development of the company's Generation 6 aircraft, including the Autonomy and Airspace Integration technologies. He also oversaw the Hardware & Software Engineering, Simulation, Systems Test, Flight Test, and Program Management teams. Sebastien's appointment comes at a significant time for Wisk, as the company prepares to fly its Gen 6 aircraft and progress on its certification path. His background and intimate knowledge of new aircraft development are key to accelerating Wisk's path towards commercialization. 'Having been deeply involved in our journey over the last four years, I'm incredibly honored to lead Wisk into this next chapter as we bring our Gen 6 aircraft to market,' said Sebastien Vigneron. 'This is a truly exciting time for the company and AAM as a whole. I look forward to guiding our talented team through this critical stage and leveraging the enhanced collaboration with Boeing to bring safe, autonomous flight to everyday life.' Brian Yutko will become Vice President of Product Development at Boeing Commercial Airplanes (BCA). In this role, Brian will provide strategic oversight and support to Wisk. 'Leading Wisk as CEO and being a part of the incredible progress our team has made on our Gen 6 product has been a true privilege,' said Brian Yutko. 'I'm honored to join the storied Product Development team at Boeing at this important time in history, and to connect the pioneering technologies and bold spirit of innovation we've cultivated at Wisk. Sebastien is an incredible leader, and I look forward to continuing to work closely with him and the Wisk team as we fly Gen 6, progress our certification program, and enter service.' A wholly owned subsidiary of Boeing, Wisk will continue to operate as is and lead the path forward on bringing the first autonomous, passenger-carrying aircraft to market in the U.S. Sebastien Vigneron brings over 20 years of experience in new aircraft development to his role as CEO. Before joining Wisk in 2021, Sebastien was Vice President of Product Development Engineering and Chief Engineer at Virgin Hyperloop where he led the development of the Hyperloop system, a new mode of transportation from requirements capture through design, build, and test. He also held leadership and technical roles at Bombardier and Dassault Aviation, developing type-certified aircraft from initial concept through flight testing and certification. He has a Bachelor's and Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering from École Polytechnique in France and a Master's degree in Aeronautics and Astronautics from Stanford University. About Wisk Wisk is an Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) company dedicated to creating a future for air travel that elevates people, communities, and aviation. Wisk is developing the first autonomous, passenger-carrying electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) air taxi in the U.S. Wisk is a wholly owned Boeing subsidiary headquartered in the San Francisco Bay Area, with locations around the world. With over a decade of experience and over 1750+ test flights, Wisk is shaping the future of daily commutes and urban travel, safely and sustainably. Learn more about Wisk here.
Observer
02-03-2025
- Business
- Observer
Oman developing AAM with its skilled workforce
MUSCAT: The National Aviation Strategy 2040 of the Sultanate of Oman is helping to reshape the air mobility sector with a road map to modernise aviation, promote innovation and advance sustainability while integrating emerging technologies. Kuljit Ghata-Aura, president of Boeing Middle East, Türkiye, Africa and Central Asia, said:, 'Air transport has long been a catalyst for economic growth and cultural exchange. Due to the efforts of Oman Air, SalamAir, the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism and the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), the aviation sector in Oman is driving connectivity and opportunity.' He added, 'Oman is actively exploring advanced air mobility (AAM) with steps to establish a regulatory framework. Last year, a significant partnership emerged between Oman's public transport operator, Mwasalat, the Civil Aviation Authority and an AAM startup developing uncrewed hybrid-electric vertical-takeoff-and-landing (eVTOL) cargo aircraft. This collaboration is mapping out target routes and services, with plans to launch pilot programmes in unpopulated areas in 2025. Additionally, AeroVecto, an Omani startup developing eVTOL aircraft for mass transit, proves that Oman is not just adopting AAM technologies but actively shaping their future.' Unlocking Oman's potential in advanced air mobility extends beyond mere infrastructure investments, including prioritising the development of a skilled workforce and is fostering innovation through strong public-private partnerships. 'Educational institutions play a pivotal role in nurturing a talent pipeline essential for this emerging industry. Omani universities are working to align their curricula with AAM-specific needs, offering specialised certifications and forging partnerships with international aviation academies to ensure students receive world-class training and exposure. Kuljit Ghata-Aura President of Boeing Middle East, Türkiye, Africa and Central Asia. Encouraging early interest in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) subjects at schools is also crucial for cultivating future advanced air mobility engineers and operators,' Ghata-Aura said. 'Industry collaboration with academia can help establish training centers, fund scholarships, and create research and development (R&D) hubs that will invigorate this new sector', he added. Boeing has initiated collaboration with the Modern College of Business and Science (MCBS) in February 2025 to build up a talent pipeline for Oman's AAM industry, enriching the undergraduate aviation management and airport management curriculum; and engaging students in cutting-edge research. Key focus areas will include uncrewed aircraft system traffic management, noise mitigation and low-emissions technologies. Through this initiative, Oman is positioning itself as one of the pioneers in next-generation air 'Boeing will leverage its global expertise in advanced air mobility to support this initiative. Our subsidiary, Wisk, is working to certify Gen6, an autonomous, all-electric, four-passenger eVTOL aircraft designed for self-flying air taxi services', said Ghata-Aura. Additionally, SkyGrid, a joint venture between Boeing and SparkCognition, is developing an AI-powered airspace management system that facilitates safe and efficient autonomous aviation, including eVTOL operations and drone traffic management. 'By investing in education and workforce development, Oman can ensure that its air transportation sector thrives as a key driver of the nation's economic diversification and meets the requirements of the future. The journey ahead is promising for Oman in advanced air mobility,' Ghata-Aura said.
