SkyGrid

SkyGrid operates as a joint venture between Boeing and SparkCognition, established in November 2018 to develop a software platform for the safe integration of autonomous aircraft into the global airspace. Based in Austin, Texas, the company is focused on enabling the future of advanced air mobility (AAM) by providing high-assurance, third-party services. SkyGrid's mission is to create a trusted airspace and operational integration platform that facilitates safe and efficient autonomous flight. The company was founded by Amir Husain, who also founded the industrial AI company SparkCognition. Husain served as the founding CEO until August 2023, when Jia Xu was appointed to the role. Xu brings experience from leadership positions in unmanned and advanced air mobility at Honeywell Aerospace, Airbus, and General Atomics. Husain remains on the company's board. SkyGrid's core product is Strata, an airspace and operational integration platform. This ground-based, aircraft-agnostic system provides digital information, operational coordination, and automated decision services to support scalable AAM operations without overburdening existing air traffic control. Key features include real-time monitoring, AI-based route planning, intelligent deconfliction, and AI-powered cybersecurity through SparkCognition's DeepArmor product. The platform, also referred to as AerialOS™, aggregates high-fidelity data on airspace traffic, weather, flight restrictions, and vehicle health to create a common operating picture for users. Another application, SkyGrid Flight Control, allows drone operators to automate airspace authorizations, plan missions, and execute flights. The company's business model is centered on providing services to drone operators, fleet managers, and future operators of autonomous passenger and cargo vehicles. Since 2019, SkyGrid has been an FAA-approved supplier for the Low Altitude Authorization and Notification Capability (LAANC), enabling customers to apply for flight authorizations directly through its platform. The company collaborates with regulatory bodies like the FAA to develop standards for the next generation of airspace services. It targets a wide range of clients, from small businesses and freelance drone operators to large enterprises and government entities. Keywords: Airspace management, unmanned traffic management, UTM, advanced air mobility, AAM, autonomous flight, drone operations, uncrewed aircraft systems, UAS, airspace integration, aerial operating system, flight control software, Boeing, SparkCognition, LAANC, air taxi, eVTOL, situational awareness, deconfliction, cybersecurity for drones, digital airspace infrastructure, low-altitude airspace, automated decision services, fleet management, mission planning.