What does it take to safely scale drone operations across 450 square miles of U.S. airspace — and why are countries like Saudi Arabia and Australia looking to replicate it?  NUAIR  might just have the answer.  Eszter Kovács , Co-founder and CEO of DroneTalks, sat down with  Ken Stewart , President and CEO of  NUAIR , to explore how their  Federal Aviation Administration  (FAA) approved BVLOS airspace, newly launched NUAIR Defense division, and integrated infrastructure are transforming both urban air mobility and national  defence  readiness.  Here are some key highlights:  NUAIR has completed over 6,000 flights in FAA-approved airspace spanning 450 square miles, supporting drone deliveries, defence trials, and more.  NUAIR Defense, their latest initiative, supports rapid, dual-use UAS testing and validation, with a mission to accelerate defence readiness through real-world operations.  Their Zero Conflict Area, a real-time deconfliction system, is powered by partners like  Hidden Level ,  Aloft , and much more — built for safe integration of uncrewed systems.  NUAIR’s frameworks are informing AAM strategies from New York to Riyadh and shaping the future of low-altitude aviation worldwide.

The AAM IWG has been charged with developing a national strategy that includes recommendations regarding the safety, operations, security, infrastructure, air traffic concepts, and other Federal investment or actions necessary to support the evolution of early AAM to higher levels of activity and societal benefit; and a comprehensive plan detailing the roles and responsibilities of each Federal department and agency, and of State, local, and Tribal governments, necessary to facilitate or implement the recommendations developed. On October 11th, the Federal Aviation Administration’s Advanced Air Mobility Interagency Working Group (AAM IWG) convened at Hancock International Airport in Syracuse, NY.

In today’s interconnected landscape, Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS) technologies are transforming operations and bridging critical gaps in communication, logistics, and data exchange across borders. We’ve looked at just a few key ways that drones are reshaping industries.   Real-Time Data Transmission UAS offer a significant advantage with their ability to transmit data in real-time, enabling rapid decision-making and seamless coordination across industries like logistics, infrastructure, and emergency response. During natural disasters, drones deliver life-saving data and visual streams to first responders, optimizing rescue efforts. Recently in North Carolina, the devastation and intensity of Hurricane Helene left many stranded or cut-off from critical supplies. The NC Department of Transportation responded by pulling in UAS pilots from across the state to track flood movements and monitor critical infrastructure. More than just the state response, teams from various industry organizations like Skydio, Paladin, and DroneSense joined in to lend a hand with relief efforts and – in a true show of creative innovation – local farmers repurposed their agricultural drones to aid in search and rescue, emergency supply delivery and more . Aerial support was critical in many ways, but the ability to make data-driven decisions from real-time information was essential. In disasters, waiting for this data can quickly cost lives, instead teams were able to ensure: Faster rescues : No delayed guessing where survivors are trapped. Smarter resource moves : Aid goes where it’s needed most, right now. Safer responders : Teams avoid collapsed bridges, flooded roads, or flare-ups.     Expanding Access to Remote Markets In 2019, the World Economic Forum predicted a $15 trillion infrastructure gap  by 2040 without some kind of international collaboration or innovation enablement. Drones have created a new form of transportation by being uniquely equipped to reach remote or underserved regions where traditional infrastructure is lacking. We know that drones can aid in emergency relief and disaster response, but what about where roads never existed in the first place? Companies have used drones to deliver medical supplies to isolated communities, ensuring vital resources are available regardless of location and countries such as Rwanda, Ghana, and Zambia have emerged as successful examples of drone delivery initiatives, especially in healthcare logistics. Simple things such as transferring blood between hospitals becomes a strenuous journey when facing 10 hours on rough terrain; this journey transforms into an easy 3 hours when a drone is introduced as transportation .   Facilitating Strategic Partnerships UAS foster international collaborations and research initiatives in sectors like environmental sustainability, healthcare, and security unlike any other industry. While land and sea can be easily defined by borders, airspace presents a whole new frontier. Not only do governments have to work together on regulation and rules, but public-private partnerships have become essential for technology to be shared, enhanced, and improved. NUAIR partners with states and countries to look at the best roadmap to advanced air mobility and the integration of low altitude airspace – but a key element of our work is the collaboration that is needed. No one in any industry can “do it all” , so leveraging partnerships is critical to providing a holistic solution. The NUAIR Alliance features everything from sensor manufacturers to ADSPS providers to flight planning software and training simulators. We proudly bring together a suite of technology that integrates together to create the system needed for airspace clarity and confidence. Within the industry are plenty of examples of teamwork and innovation coming together to solve problems, but another piece to the partnership puzzle is with regulation. The FAA has catalyzed multiple partnerships like the B4UFLY program facilitating situational awareness for recreational flyers and the LAANC data exchange capability for commercial operations. More recently, the FAA has turned to industry to help test and coordinate Uncrewed Traffic Management (UTM) programs  and is constantly looking for new ways to lean on the innovation of the industry to drive the market forward.   Informed Decision-Making & Economic Impact Drones are powerful tools for addressing critical challenges in infrastructure and urban mobility, providing actionable data to inform strategic decisions. By deploying advanced UAS technology, agencies like the New York State Transit Authority (NYSTA) collect real-time insights on transit infrastructure health, traffic patterns, and passenger flow. In 2022, NYSTA and NUAIR worked together with a $1.5 Million SMART Grant  to “provide safer inspection workflows, stronger predictive maintenance and a more resilient highway system” t hrough the buildout and strengthening of their UAS technology use. These UAS technology investments helped identify structural vulnerabilities in bridges and rail systems, while predictive analytics derived from collected data helped prioritize maintenance and optimize resource allocation. These efforts enabled NYSTA to align operations with key organizational goals—reducing costs, minimizing downtime, and ensuring systems meet evolving safety and efficiency standards. The success of this Stage 1 SMART Grant not only met project goals, but also led to the realization of over $28 Million in annual savings and the award of a $14.8 Million Stage 2 SMART Grant  to continue and build upon the work completed from Stage 1.     Conclusion Uncrewed Aircraft Systems are not just technological innovations; they are vital components for businesses and industries across the globe. By enabling efficient communication, improving service access, and fostering international collaboration, UAS significantly boost operational efficiency and growth. If any of these use cases inspired ideas on how you and your team could incorporate UAS into your operations, then the right partner is key . Let’s collaborate because the value of these tools lies in the system, and the future lies in integration.

As the Central New York region grows as a hub of UAS technology, NUAIR works with its partners to enable the next generation of aviation in our region and across the country. On this episode of Talk CNY presented by NBT Bank, NUAIR’s Executive Director Ken Stewart joins host Katie Zilcosky to discuss the organization’s success and how the industry is impacting Central New York.

News Channel 9 talks with Ken Stewart, President and CEO of NUAIR on the latest advancements in drone technology and the exciting future of our industry. Don’t miss this chance to hear firsthand about NUAIR’s innovative projects and vision. Click the button below to hear about insights that could shape the future of air mobility!

News Channel 9 talks with Ken Stewart, President and CEO of NUAIR, as he discusses the potential ban on DJI drones in the U.S. We dive into the implications for drone owners, the economic impact, and what the future holds for the industry. Don't miss these insights on the evolving landscape of drone technology!

A leap for the uncrewed aviation and advanced air mobility community, NUAIR’s new operational airspace now spans a significant 450 square miles in Central New York. SYRACUSE, NY – March 6, 2025 – From an initial 50-mile narrow corridor in 2016 to a 240 square mile area supporting a wide variety of terrain and infrastructure to now covering 450 square miles in 2025, the opportunities for uncrewed aerial systems (drones), next generation aviation, and advanced air mobility continue to grow exponentially in Central New York. This week, NUAIR received a Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) waiver from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) nearly doubling its operational and commercial airspace in the greater Syracuse region.   Now the largest BVLOS airspace in the Northeast United States, NUAIR’s expanded coverage includes key locations significant to several members of the Central New York region. A few include:   Downtown Syracuse:  Innovation leader, Upstate Medical University , has had autonomous ground robotics working in their daily hospital operations since as early as 2023. Upstate Medical is launching skyward with drones now able to deliver commercial medical and pharmaceutical packages to the surrounding area as well as deploy regularly to their cancer center over 40 miles away. With Downtown now being included in the waivered airspace, Upstate Medical will be able to leverage NUAIR’s BVLOS network to safely operationalize their delivery plans.   Clay, NY:  In 2022, technology giant Micron  announced plans to bring leading-edge memory manufacturing to Central New York with a $100B facility. The technology produced at this plant offers a perfect use case for Rural Air Mobility (RAM) with the transportation of chips by electric or hybrid aircraft – reducing both traffic congestion and product damage from traditional transportation. The increase in airspace opens the opportunity for cargo opportunities to be integrated into both local transportation and into larger shipping supply lines at SYR airport.   3,000 ft paved runway at Beck’s Grove: As a variety of new aircraft are developed for Advanced Air Mobility (eVTOL, STOL, CTOL, etc.), the access to ground infrastructure to support them is critical for the accessibility of this new technology. Providing waivered coverage for this area opens the opportunity to deploy and evaluate these next generation aircraft.  Not only that, but Beck’s Grove can now serve the surrounding community by offering alternative transportation for supplies and emergency response  in critical times of blizzards or flooding.   Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight  said, "Our continued partnership with NUAIR has been transformative in our efforts to elevate the uncrewed aerial systems industry in New York State.” NUAIR’s Land & Expand Grant from Empire State Development has spurred incredible growth throughout the region enabling a draw for talent, technology, and attention to the incredible ecosystem that is being built here. Knight continued, “This latest FAA designation and milestone will further boost the UAS sector's continued growth, ensuring that New York State remains ascendant in this vital field, bringing top-quality jobs and economic growth to the Central New York and Mohawk Valley regions.”    A critical part of this region and ecosystem, GENIUS NY is the world’s largest drone and robotics accelerator. GENIUS NY , Director of Programs and Engagement Kara Jones  shared, "NUAIR’s expanded BVLOS waiver is a significant milestone for the uncrewed systems industry and reinforces Central New York as a hub for advanced drone operations. This approval provides GENIUS NY startups – past, present, and future – with greater opportunities to commercialize their technology and secure customers. Expanding the operational area strengthens our ecosystem by enabling real-world deployments, accelerating market entry, and driving industry adoption of innovative UAS solutions."   “The expansion of NUAIR’s BVLOS airspace doubles our capacity and service opportunities for all our partners and clients: commercial, state, and federal.” NUAIR President & CEO Ken Stewart  explained, “It’s a win for more than NUAIR though – it’s a win for all of New York State.”     About NUAIR NUAIR is a nonprofit driving economic development through innovations in UAS and Advanced Air Mobility to safely integrate into the national airspace. Funded through the continued support from Empire State Development and the State of New York through grants focused on empowering and enabling the next generation of aviation.   With a rich history performing UAS testing and validation, investing in local and state economic development, and training public safety elite, the Northeast UAS Airspace Integration Research Alliance, Inc. (NUAIR) is proud to be the catalyst to not only New York’s airspace innovation, but mobility advancement around the globe.   NUAIR . Where Next Takes Flight. Media Contact: Megan Crout | Director of Marketing | NUAIR mcrout@nuair.org

In a world where technology evolves faster than regulations and threats emerge as quickly as solutions, industries need systems that prioritize reliability, adaptability, and trust. At NUAIR, our mission is to advance the safe, efficient, and scalable integration of uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) into national airspace —a vision that mirrors the urgency of seamless, resilient infrastructure across all sectors, worldwide.    Bridging Innovation and Safety     NUAIR strives to solve one of the most pressing challenges of modern aviation: enabling drones and advanced air mobility (AAM) to operate safely alongside crewed aircraft. We do this by:     Leading the development of uncrewed traffic management. The synergism with our Alliance Partners allows for a unique and dependable picture of the sky featuring fluid operations and easily deconflicted airspace coordination.   Testing and certifying cutting-edge technologies, from counter-drone (cUAS) solutions to autonomous surveillance and inspection networks.    Collaborating with government, industry, and legislature to shape policies that balance innovation with public safety.     The future vision of drones delivering life-saving medical supplies, inspecting critical infrastructure, and responding to disasters – all while seamlessly integrating into the skies we share – is not only possible, but happening today.      Why Proactive Systems Matter     Just as users rely on subscription services to deliver updates, security patches, or new features without interruption, industries like defense, healthcare, and logistics depend on systems that anticipate challenges. For NUAIR, this means:    Automating Airspace Safety: Like software that updates silently in the background, our UTM solutions ensure airspace deconfliction and regulatory compliance in real time.    Secure Technology and Connections: We take our technology and support very seriously. Our world class secure technology platform allows us to support your service needs without the stress of unwanted breaches or access.  Identifying Threats Proactively: Our work with cUAS technologies mirrors cybersecurity – detecting and alerting you of rogue drones before they compromise safety.    Building Trust Through Consistency: Just as users expect seamless access to their apps, communities trust NUAIR to ensure the airspace is safe and accessible for all.      Case Study: The NUAIR Operations Center     At our flagship Operations Center in New York, NUAIR offers companies the ability to validate UAS technologies in real-world scenarios, with real-time results. With a unique crafted airspace featuring 240 square miles of surveillance coverage, rural and urban environments, flexible take-off and landing zones, and multiple airspace classes, NUAIR offers:  Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) Operations, Emergency Response Simulations, C-UAS and Defense Applications, And much more.  The work completed at NUAIR’s Operations Center isn’t simply experimental, it is the blueprint for scalable, trustworthy systems that industries, large and small, can securely deploy on a global field.   The Future is Collaborative     NUAIR’s vision extends beyond technology. We’re building an ecosystem where innovators, regulators, and operators collaborate to solve problems before they arise.   As drones reshape industries from agriculture to defense, NUAIR remains at the forefront, ensuring these advancements are safe, equitable, and sustainable. Just as seamless systems keep businesses running, our work keeps the skies open for innovation – today and tomorrow.      Explore how our teams are redefining trustworthy airspace at NUAIR.org and NUAIRDefense.org .   Together, we’re not just building technology. We’re building trust in the future of aerospace.

Date & Time: Wednesday, February 26, 2025, 3:00-4:00 PM ET In a time where defense agencies and industry leaders are struggling under the burden of unproven solutions, tight budgets, and tighter timelines, NUAIR Defense showcases the value of leveraging innovation from the commercial and defense sectors to create a streamlined, collaborative approach that gets both technology and operators mission ready at the speed of modern warfare. Join NUAIR as we go through this invaluable ecosystem of strategic partnerships and system offerings that is accelerating the fielding, verification, and training of next-generation defense solutions.

Earlier this month, the U.S.-Saudi Business Council ( USSBC ) led a delegation of 12 advanced air mobility (AAM) companies on a business development mission to Jeddah and Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Nexa Capital Partners and industry association NUAIR partnered with the USSBC to organize this business development mission.

NUAIR is proud to launch NUAIR Defense, empowering militaries, partner nations, and their teams to stay one step ahead – at home and abroad. SYRACUSE, NY – February 11, 2025 – Today marks the official launch of NUAIR Defense , a purpose-built hub designed to take the friction out of verifying, validating, fielding, and training for the next generation of defense capabilities in the air, land, maritime and multi domain space. In an era where defense agencies and industry leaders are buried under an avalanche of unproven solutions, NUAIR Defense clears the path – offering a streamlined, collaborative approach to getting technology and operators mission-ready without the typical bottlenecks.   A True Ecosystem, Not Another Vendor   “We're not just another technology provider,” said Ken Stewart, President & CEO of NUAIR. “We bring together the right people, the right tools, and the right processes to ensure that only proven, operationally relevant capabilities make it to the field."   "The defense technology sector is undergoing rapid growth, demanding accelerated testing, validation, and deployment of dual use technologies." said Darshan 'Dash' Divakaran, Principal at NUAIR Defense . "NUAIR Defense is driving a paradigm shift in defense innovation, bridging the gap between military operators, decision-makers, and technology providers to unlock new possibilities and propel defense and security forward."   NUAIR Defense provides a clear path from concept to operational use by breaking down three major barriers : Validation at the Speed of Need  – Rather than endless cycles of demos and pitches, NUAIR Defense puts solutions to the test in the air, land, maritime, and multi-domain operational environments, ensuring only viable technologies move forward. Realistic Testing That Saves Lives  – Warfighters test and train in live, virtual, and constructive (LVC) settings, replicating the complexity of modern combat. This ensures operators know exactly how systems perform before deployment – no guesswork, no surprises. Seamless Integration  – Working alongside military airspace managers, range mangers and strategic defense sites, NUAIR Defense ensures that fielding new capabilities doesn’t create more problems than it solves.   Addressing Today’s Most Pressing Defense Challenges   NUAIR Defense is already making an impact across multiple domains: Counter-UAS & Airspace Security  – Using digital twin technology, NUAIR Defense enhances real-time detection and mitigation of non-cooperative drones while seamlessly verifying authorized operations. BVLOS Operations & Airspace Management  – In partnership with key government and commercial stakeholders, NUAIR Defense removes red tape, enabling scalable beyond-visual-line-of-sight (BVLOS) operations for defense applications. SBIR, STTR, & Dual-Use Technology Deployment  – NUAIR Defense connects emerging companies with real defense needs, slashing the time it takes to move from prototype to deployment.   A Track Record of Getting It Done   With over a decade of success in both DoD, allied, and commercial operations, NUAIR has built a reputation for precision, safety, and effectiveness. Spilling over into NUAIR Defense, its legacy and established safety & compliance programs ensure that every system tested and deployed meets the highest operational standards, mitigating risks and reinforcing trust across defense stakeholders. Even close to home, NUAIR has had a long-standing relationship with the 174th Attack Wing (based out of Hancock Field Air National Guard base) and continues to explore mutually beneficial capabilities. The 174th ATKW is home to the MQ-9 Reaper drone, making Syracuse Hancock International Airport (also NUAIR’s Headquarters) the only U.S. airport whose ATC regularly handles uncrewed aircraft integrating seamlessly into commercial and private flight operations.   NUAIR Defense is actively engaging with military leaders, industry experts, and government agencies to reshape how defense solutions are vetted, tested, and deployed. Learn more at www.NUAIRDefense.org  or contact contact@nuairdefense.org  to explore partnership opportunities.   We invite you to join us for a deeper dive into Delivering Combat-Ready Platforms at the Pace of Modern Conflict Demand on Wednesday, February 26 at 1500 EST . Ken Stewart and Darshan ‘Dash’ Divakaran will be joined by AUVSI President Michael Robbins for an in-depth look at NUAIR Defense and the opportunities available to both commercial and defense operators. Details and registration can be found at www.auvsi.org/events/auvsi-webinars .   About NUAIR Defense   NUAIR Defense is a trusted accelerator where innovations are rigorously tested, validated, and integrated across air, land, maritime, and multi-domain operations to confidently deliver combat-ready systems and expertly trained operators at the speed of modern warfare. NUAIR Defense is a Division of NUAIR.   Media Contacts: Megan Crout | Director of Marketing | NUAIR mcrout@nuair.org

NUAIR has officially launched NUAIR Defense, a dedicated hub designed to simplify the process of verifying, validating, and deploying defense technologies. The initiative aims to remove bottlenecks that slow down military adoption of next-generation capabilities across air, land, maritime, and multi-domain operations.