SkyGrid and High Lander Forge Partnership to Enhance Air Mobility in the UAE

SkyGrid and High Lander Sign MOU for Advanced Air Mobility

In a significant move towards revolutionizing air travel in the United Arab Emirates, SkyGrid and High Lander have recently entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) at the Dubai Airshow 2025. This collaboration aims to reshape the landscape of Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) by establishing a cutting-edge airspace management ecosystem that will seamlessly integrate crewed and uncrewed aerial vehicles.

Targeting Innovation and Economic Growth in Aviation

SkyGrid, recognized as a leading Advanced Air Mobility Third-Party Service Provider, and High Lander, a global expert in Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) traffic management and drone fleet management, are committed to enhancing safety and efficiency in air transportation. Their initiative not only aims to promote economic growth but also positions Abu Dhabi as a global hub for autonomous air mobility.

The agreement highlights the necessity of developing a comprehensive airspace management strategy, particularly focusing on integration aspects that encompass airspace coordination, digital operations, vertiport integration, cybersecurity measures, and regulatory compliance. The collaboration is structured to pave the way for the safe deployment of various aerial vehicles, including cargo drones and electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft.

Collaborative Vision for the Future

Jia Xu, the CEO of SkyGrid, emphasized the monumental significance of this partnership, stating, "This collaboration represents a substantial milestone in shaping the digital foundation of Advanced Air Mobility in the UAE and across the Middle East." By fusing SkyGrid’s expertise in high-assurance autonomous flight services with High Lander’s celebrated UTM technologies, the two companies aim to bring forth a unified and sustainable approach to airspace integration.

The alliance is not only strategic for the companies but also aligns closely with Abu Dhabi’s Economic Vision 2030, which underscores a commitment to technological innovation and economic diversification. The objective is to craft detailed technology roadmaps, regulatory frameworks, and infrastructure plans that facilitate AAM operations not just in Abu Dhabi but potentially throughout the region.

A Progressive Step Towards Air Mobility

Alon Absolon, CEO of High Lander, remarked, "This partnership marks an exciting step forward in advancing a connected and intelligent AAM ecosystem." The shared aspiration is to cultivate a harmonized operational environment where both crewed and uncrewed aircraft can function together seamlessly. With support from industry giants such as Boeing, the UAE sets a precedent for how automation and data-driven management can thoroughly transform the future of air mobility.

SkyGrid’s foundational goal is to unlock the potential of the skies for autonomous flight. Having begun its journey in Austin, Texas, the company aims to create a high-assurance platform that manages various surveillance systems, integrating data and traffic management solutions critical for scaled autonomous operations.

High Lander, established in 2018 by seasoned aviation experts, aims to incorporate UAS into global airspaces safely and efficiently. With its proprietary Orion DFM and Vega UTM platforms, High Lander provides robust solutions for airspace authorities, fulfilling essential safety standards as air traffic becomes increasingly congested.

In conclusion, the MOU between SkyGrid and High Lander is more than just a partnership; it signifies the convergence of innovation, technology, and regulation in the aviation sector, setting the stage for Abu Dhabi to emerge as a leading figure in next-generation autonomous air transportation.