Aircraft telecommunications investment firm SkyFive aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, aiming to position the Kingdom as a global leader in urban advanced air mobility transportation.
In a groundbreaking move contributing towards transforming the future of transportation, SkyFive has announced a USD100 million investment to accelerate the growth of Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) in Saudi Arabia.
This investment focuses on non-terrestrial communication systems, particularly satellite-based networks, which will enable enhanced connectivity and support innovations in electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, drones, and autonomous vehicles.
SkyFive’s announcement came during LEAP 2025, a global tech event hosted in Saudi Arabia. LEAP 2025 attracted technology leaders, investors, and innovators from around the world to showcase advancements in fields such as AI, telecommunications, and digital infrastructure.
Advanced Air Mobility is a broad category of innovative air transportation solutions designed to address the growing need for faster, more sustainable mobility in congested urban environments. AAM encompasses technologies such as eVTOL aircraft, autonomous drones, and other advanced vehicles that are capable of transforming urban and regional mobility.
To operate safely and efficiently, AAM requires a robust communication infrastructure. SkyFive’s investment in non-terrestrial networks, specifically satellite-based systems, aims to provide this critical infrastructure.
By bypassing traditional terrestrial communication systems, satellite networks enable real-time data transfer, air traffic management, and vehicle coordination, all of which are essential for the safe operation of AAM vehicles in increasingly crowded airspaces.
SkyFive’s investment aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, a comprehensive roadmap designed to diversify the Kingdom’s economy and establish it as a global leader in technology and innovation.
As part of this vision, the country is committed to investing in cutting-edge technologies, including those in the aerospace sector, to drive economic growth and enhance quality of life.
The General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) in Saudi Arabia is actively working on the regulatory and infrastructure frameworks necessary to support AAM. This includes developing safety standards and creating vertiports (airports designed for eVTOLs and drones) to integrate electric aircraft into existing transportation networks. The country’s ongoing investments in these areas are helping to solidify its role as a leader in aerospace and communications technologies.
SkyFive’s $100 million investment boosts Saudi Arabia’s technological standing, fast-tracking its ambitions to become a hub for advanced air mobility, while aligning with the Kingdom’s broader focus on infrastructure, AI, and sustainable innovation.
SkyFive’s investment will enable real-time communication between AAM vehicles, ground stations, and air traffic management systems.
The high-speed, low-latency connectivity provided by satellite-based communication systems is crucial for flight safety, air traffic control, and autonomous flight operations.
It will also support the development of AI-powered autonomous flight technologies, which are essential for realizing the potential of air taxis, drone deliveries, and emergency transport services.
In addition to passenger transport, AAM technologies are expected to significantly impact logistics. For example, AAM solutions can offer faster, more cost-effective transportation for goods in industries such as e-commerce and healthcare, making it easier to deliver products and medical supplies over short distances and in hard-to-reach areas.
Talking about the technology last year, GACA President Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al-Duailej had explained to Arab News that the country is “not just building a new mode of transport; instead, we are creating the backbone for the next era of economic and social development in Saudi Arabia.”
In addition to SkyFive’s commitment to AAM, the event featured several other major investments, including funding for data centers, fiber-optic networks, and AI-powered networking solutions. These investments are integral to strengthening the region’s technological ecosystem and supporting the growth of next-generation transportation solutions like AAM.
Saudi Arabia’s government has been working closely with many private-sector companies like NEOM and Volocopter to develop cutting-edge eVTOL technologies. Efforts to enhance battery capabilities, reduce noise pollution, and increase the efficiency of eVTOLs are key components of this strategy.
Successful tests conducted across Saudi Arabia’s diverse landscapes and climates have laid the groundwork for a wide range of advancements. These efforts aim to alleviate traffic congestion, improve emergency medical services, and support the Kingdom’s ambitious target of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2060.
