KAUST And SkyGrid Collaborate To Enhance Advanced Air Mobility Technologies In Saudi Arabia

King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) has partnered with SkyGrid to enhance Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) technologies in Saudi Arabia. This collaboration was formalised during the Saudi-US Investment Forum. The initiative aims to integrate KAUST's research prowess with SkyGrid's expertise in digital airspace management, aligning with both national and international aviation standards.

The partnership will focus on developing a strategic framework for AAM technology exploration, regulatory readiness, and innovation capacity enhancement in Saudi Arabia. This collaboration will prioritise joint innovation, ecosystem development, and the practical application of research to support the Kingdom’s vision for sustainable aviation and next-generation transportation.

KAUST President Sir Edward Byrne stated, "This collaboration with SkyGrid aligns with KAUST’s mission to advance breakthrough technologies that address global and national challenges." By merging their research excellence with SkyGrid’s airspace integration expertise, they aim to position Saudi Arabia as a leader in Advanced Air Mobility.

The partnership will include creating an air-side AAM sandbox for testing new technologies. It will also involve live and simulated flight demonstrations for various platforms using SkyGrid’s digital solutions alongside KAUST’s research capabilities. These efforts aim to accelerate ecosystem development within the Kingdom.

SkyGrid CEO Jia Xu expressed pride in supporting Saudi Arabia's vision for sustainable aviation. "Partnering with KAUST allows us to combine world-class research with operational expertise," Xu said. Together, they plan to develop the necessary digital and operational foundation for safe and scalable Advanced Air Mobility.

The collaboration also covers advanced R&D in areas like airspace efficiency, traffic deconfliction algorithms, UTM automation, digital twins, resilient communications, and simulation environments. Additionally, it includes capacity-building initiatives through technical training and curriculum development to strengthen Saudi Arabia’s AAM talent pipeline.

This partnership is set to accelerate Saudi Arabia's readiness for both crewed and uncrewed aircraft operations. It aims to unlock new economic opportunities while transforming transportation within the Kingdom through innovative scientific and technological advancements.

With inputs from SPA