In a pioneering series of test flights, a consortium of aviation industry leaders has successfully demonstrated the integration of uncrewed aircraft into controlled airspace, marking a significant advancement in autonomous aviation. The trials, conducted in New Zealand, showcased the feasibility of safe, uncrewed flight operations in shared airspace, a crucial step towards the realization of commercial autonomous flight.
Wisk Aero spearheaded the trials under New Zealand's Airspace Integration Trial Programme (AITP), collaborating with key partners including the New Zealand Government, Insitu Pacific, the Civil Aviation Authority of New Zealand (CAA), Airways New Zealand, and the indigenous-led aerospace venture Tāwhaki. The trials signify a major breakthrough in the integration of uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAVs) into controlled airspace, traditionally the domain of piloted aircraft.
The test flights, conducted between November 17 and December 1, 2023, at the Tāwhaki National Aerospace Centre in Kaitorete, demonstrated the operational feasibility of remotely piloted aircraft (RPA) flying under instrument flight rules (IFR) in controlled airspace. The trials encompassed take-offs, landings, and navigation in both uncontrolled and controlled airspace, proving that RPAs can safely coexist with crewed traffic.
Catherine MacGowan, Vice President of APAC and Air Operations at Wisk, emphasized the significance of the trials:
"These tests are a leap forward for Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) and the wider aviation sector, demonstrating the safe coexistence of autonomous and piloted aircraft."
Insitu Pacific's Managing Director, Andrew Duggan, highlighted the collaborative effort: "This trial is a testament to the power of collaboration in advancing safe and integrated operations for autonomous flight."
James Evans, Acting General Manager Air Traffic Services at Airways New Zealand, reiterated their commitment to airspace safety: "Our role is to ensure the safety of New Zealand's skies. Working with Wisk allows us to shape the future by safely incorporating uncrewed aerial vehicles into controlled airspace."
The CAA's Deputy Chief Executive, David Harrison, spoke on the regulatory perspective: "The safe progression of these trials aligns with CAA's goal of integrating emerging technologies into New Zealand's aviation system."
Linda Falwasser, CEO of Tāwhaki, expressed pride in hosting the trials: "Tāwhaki National Aerospace Centre is thrilled to be part of this forward-looking initiative, helping chart a sustainable future for aerospace transport."
The New Zealand Government's AITP, launched in 2019, is a four-year program aimed at harmonizing aviation advancements with safety, societal, environmental, and economic considerations. As the first industry partner in the AITP, Wisk's involvement marks a pivotal moment in the journey towards autonomous aerial transport, setting a global precedent for the safe and efficient integration of uncrewed aircraft into commercial aviation.
.png)
