Skyline Guard: Revolutionizing Aviation Safety with AI-Powered Innovation — An Exclusive Interview with CEO Mohanad Khair

I had the pleasure of interviewing Mohanad A. Khair, an expert in cross-platform solutions architecture and strategy. Mohanad has extensive experience in executive P&L management, business development, and strategic leadership. With a proven track record in mergers and acquisitions, strategic partnerships, vendor management, and business optimization, Mohanad has successfully created, built, and managed several high-impact solutions across various industries. This includes developing and implementing C4I systems for carriers, airports, and the oil & gas sector, as well as pioneering cybersecurity, SaaS, and telecom solutions. Mohanad has also led international governmental defense and communication projects, consistently driving innovation and delivering results.

What motivated you to launch your startup?

The motivation to launch Skyline Guard stemmed from the glaring gap in aviation safety regarding bird strikes. As a team passionate about technology and innovation, we recognized that existing solutions were inadequate and that bird strikes remained a significant and unresolved risk, costing billions in repairs and causing severe disruptions in air travel. We saw an opportunity to leverage AI and automation to create a solution that not only protects lives but also significantly reduces costs for airports and airlines while preserving the natural wildlife. This drive to solve a critical problem that affects millions of passengers annually was the catalyst for launching Skyline Guard.

What excites you about what you’re building?

What excites us most about Skyline Guard is the potential to revolutionize aviation safety. We’re not just creating a product; we’re laying the foundation for a new standard in civil protection. The fact that our solution is the first of its kind to offer non-lethal, AI-powered protection against bird strikes, with potential applications in other sectors like utilities, mining, and agriculture, fuels our passion. The idea that our technology could one day be integral to infrastructure safety around the world is incredibly motivating.

What has been your biggest challenge when growing your startup?

One of our biggest challenges has been navigating the complexities of integrating cutting-edge AI technology with existing infrastructure. It’s not just about developing the technology; it’s about ensuring it can be seamlessly adopted by airports and other industries that may be resistant to change. Additionally, as a startup, balancing innovation with the practicalities of scaling and securing funding has been an ongoing challenge. However, these obstacles have only strengthened our resolve and sharpened our focus on delivering a solution that works in the real world.

What are your future plans for your startup?

Our future plans for Skyline Guard are ambitious. In the short term, we’re focused on perfecting our AI-powered bird strike prevention system and rolling it out to key airports globally. As we expand, we also plan to integrate drone protection into our platform, addressing the growing threat that drones pose to critical infrastructure. Beyond aviation, we’re exploring applications in other sectors like utilities and agriculture, where our technology can protect against a wide range of airborne threats. Long-term, we envision Skyline Guard becoming synonymous with automated civil protection, providing solutions that safeguard a diverse array of infrastructures worldwide.

If you had to share “words of wisdom” with a founder who’s about to start their own startup, what would they be?

My advice to any aspiring founder is to stay relentless in your pursuit of solving a meaningful problem. The journey will be tough, and you’ll face numerous obstacles, but if your mission is clear and your solution genuinely adds value, persistence will pay off. Surround yourself with a team that shares your vision and complements each other’s strengths. Lastly, don’t be afraid to pivot when necessary; flexibility can be the difference between failure and success. Always stay close to your market and customers — they are your best guides.

How can our readers follow you on social media?

You can follow me on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/mohanad-a-k-b1148021b/, where we regularly share updates about Skyline Guard, industry insights, and the latest developments in aviation safety and infrastructure protection.