Boeing Saudi Arabia and GACA Unveil AAM Feasibility Project in Partnership with KAUST and SkyGrid

Pioneering Advanced Air Mobility in Saudi Arabia

In a significant move towards revolutionizing air transport, Boeing Saudi Arabia and the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) have officially initiated an Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) Airspace and Operational Feasibility Analysis. This collaboration, which includes contributions from SkyGrid and King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), is set to evaluate the operational and regulatory framework necessary for successful AAM implementation across the Kingdom.

The primary aim of this feasibility analysis is to assess a strategic pathway evolving from Visual and Instrument Flight Rules (VFR and IFR) towards fully Automated Flight Rules (AFR), which will enable completely autonomous flight operations. By examining AAM routes and airspace management, this analysis will seek to demonstrate the viability of safe and sustainable operations for both piloted and remotely piloted aerial vehicles. This strategic initiative supports GACA's AAM Roadmap, thereby aligning with the national goals for transport and logistics services in Saudi Arabia.

Captain Sulaiman Almuhaimedi, the Executive Vice President of Aviation Safety and Environmental Sustainability at GACA, emphasized the importance of this project by stating, "The activation of this MoU and the launch of this feasibility analysis represent an important step toward enabling a safe, scalable, and future-ready Advanced Air Mobility ecosystem in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia." He highlighted GACA's commitment to fostering innovation while ensuring the highest safety and operational integrity.

Comprehensive Assessment of AAM Operations

The analysis aims at conducting an extensive evaluation of air traffic management technologies, necessary infrastructure, and the development of vertiports and airports essential for AAM operations. Special attention will be given to ensuring that the operations comply with all necessary visual and instrument guidelines and eventually transitioning to frameworks suitable for automated systems, crucial for handling increased air traffic complexity.

Boeing Saudi Arabia’s President, Asaad Aljomoai, conveyed the excitement and commitment towards this promising venture, stating, "This feasibility study reflects our commitment to Saudi Vision 2030 and supports the country’s ambition to become a global leader in Advanced Air Mobility."

In collaboration with SkyGrid and KAUST, the project includes a Gap Analysis which will help identify technological and infrastructure requirements for successful operations of autonomous aircraft in Saudi Arabia’s airspace.

Leveraging Expertise for Future Innovations

SkyGrid, a pioneering company focused on enabling safe and scalable AAM solutions, brings its advanced expertise to this partnership. The feasibility analysis will use innovative technologies such as traffic surveillance and micro-weather intelligence, ensuring that every operational aspect maintains high safety standards. As Jia Xu, CEO of SkyGrid, explained, "Safe autonomous aircraft operations depend on reliable situational awareness, resilient positioning and timing, and intelligent airspace and aerodrome management."

Alongside them, KAUST, known for its strong scientific and technical expertise, will assist with research that underpins this feasibility study. Dr. Ian Campbell, KAUST’s Senior Vice President, expressed confidence in the collaboration: “Together with Boeing Saudi Arabia, SkyGrid, and GACA, we will help validate the operational concepts needed to ensure the Kingdom’s AAM ecosystem meets the highest standards of safety and efficiency.”

Charting the Future of Air Mobility

This comprehensive analysis is anticipated to yield valuable insights, paving the way for the GACA AAM Roadmap's successful implementation. The study is crucial for establishing a robust framework that addresses regulatory challenges while promoting next-generation air mobility across Saudi Arabia. Through targeted research and collaborative effort, the initiative is not only a testament to the partnership between these entities but also underscores the growing potential of AAM technologies in reshaping the future of transportation in the Kingdom.

As this project unfolds, it promises to be a landmark step towards creating a paradigm shift in air mobility, aligned with Saudi Arabia’s strategic vision and commitment to innovation and progress in the aviation sector.