AUSTIN, Texas - SkyGrid, a third-party service provider (TSP) for advanced air mobility (AAM) in Austin, Texas, has unveiled its concept of operations (ConOps) outlining how its ground-based system will facilitate the integration of AAM into existing airspace under Visual Flight Rules (VFR) and Instrument Flight Rules (IFR). The company, which is a joint venture between The Boeing Company and SparkCognition, says this is the first commercial TSP to publish such a framework, focusing on approved services to support AAM.
"At SkyGrid, we are proud to be the first commercial Third-Party Service Provider to release a Concept of Operations designed to support the seamless airspace integration of Advanced Air Mobility," said Jia Xu, CEO of SkyGrid. "This ConOps reflects our commitment to enabling the future of flight by delivering high-assurance third-party services that enhance operational efficiency, expand airspace access, and support scalability for diverse AAM and autonomous operations. We're excited to drive the continued transformation of air mobility, making it safer, more efficient, and more sustainable for all."
The ConOps focuses on operations between 2028 and 2032, detailing how TSPs will provide situational awareness and decision-making tools to support AAM operators in navigating complex airspace. It also addresses the evolving role of TSPs as technology, regulations, and operations mature.
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SkyGrid says that the services it delivers include digital information, strategic planning, tactical planning, and mission support.
The service processes real-time and scheduled flight data while extrapolating the positions of other aircraft in the airspace. This analysis may suggest adjustments to the operation’s scheduled clearance release time. Several factors influence these adjustments. The operation must maintain separation from departing and arriving aircraft at the origin vertiport or airport. Additionally, it must confirm the availability of a landing area and parking stand at the destination vertiport or airport.
"The vision we have outlined in our ConOps offers a comprehensive framework for integrating Advanced Air Mobility operations into the current airspace," said Nate Isbell, Airspace Integration Manager at SkyGrid. "Third-Party Service Providers, like SkyGrid, will be pivotal in equipping Advanced Air Mobility operators with essential technical solutions, data services, and decision support tools."
