Jia Xu

CEO, SkyGrid

Jia Xu is a proven leader in the fields of unmanned aerial systems (UAS) and urban air mobility (UAM), currently serving as the CEO of SkyGrid, a cutting-edge aerospace technology company. Known for his profound understanding of the aerospace sector and his commitment to innovation, Xu has continuously propelled advancements in UAS and UAM technologies throughout his illustrious career. 

Prior to SkyGrid, Xu showcased his strategic prowess as the CTO for UAS and UAM at Honeywell Aerospace. His primary responsibilities included leading strategic technology and product development initiatives and overseeing engineering execution. Moreover, Xu extended his expertise to strategic planning and business development, consistently driving forward Honeywell’s industry presence. 

In his tenure as chief architect for UAM systems at Airbus, Xu designed operational architectures and developed data-driven business models for UAM vehicles and networks. This leadership role built upon his prior experiences in high-tech fields, such as AI/ML, UAS, and autonomous systems, which he navigated successfully during his stint at the RAND Corporation. 

Jia Xu’s deep-rooted knowledge of UAS design was honed at General Atomics, and he further expanded his skillset by teaching aerodynamics as an adjunct lecturer at Stanford University, imparting invaluable insights to the next generation of aerospace experts. 

Education has played a pivotal role in Xu’s career trajectory. He earned his Ph.D. in Aeronautics and Astronautics from Stanford University, adding to his double Master of Science degrees. Xu holds a degree in Aeronautics from Imperial College London, an institution renowned for its engineering programs, and another in International Relations from the esteemed London School of Economics. This rich academic background reflects Xu’s broad interests and unique perspective, combining deep technical understanding with a comprehensive view of global relations and politics. 

With his multifaceted expertise and visionary leadership, Jia Xu continues to redefine the possibilities of aerospace technology in the 21st century.