Wisk teams with JAL to prepare air taxi service launch in Japan

Boeing-backed air taxi developer Wisk Aero says it has entered an agreement with Japan Airlines (JAL) to facilitate certification and eventual introduction of its autonomous passenger aircraft across the archipelago.

Wisk says the accord comes in the form of a memorandum of understanding with JAL, covering several aspects of the California air taxi maker’s entry and operation in Japan. That agreement notably does not include JAL committing to purchase any Wisk craft at this juncture – despite the airline’s declared intention of launching urban air mobility services at some point. But it is intended to help Wisk obtain certification in the country, and prepare servicing of its planes once they’re transporting passengers.

For starters, the memorandum calls for the airline’s maintenance and repair affiliate JAL Engineering (JALEC) to collaborate with Wisk in creating a support and servicing network necessary to operate its…