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.

The center of the drone universe is in what at first glance appears to be the most unlikely of locations: among the bucolic farmlands and woodlands of Upstate NY – and especially Syracuse, NY. But this region has all the building blocks for leading the country in drone technologies.

Dedicated to improving 𝗲𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝘆, 𝘀𝗮𝗳𝗲𝘁𝘆, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗮𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 across New York’s transportation systems, using innovation and technology to improve mobility across the state, these leaders keep New York moving.

In a year defined by change and growth, NUAIR has remained steadfast in its mission to catalyze economic development, innovation, and leadership in the uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) and Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) sectors, not just in Central New York, but on the global stage...

New York public safety officials receive hands on training and witness live demos of the latest drone technologies and techniques to help save lives. (SYRACUSE, NY)  – On July 28 and 29,  NUAIR  and the  New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services (DHSES)  held a two-day unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) Summit for New York State public safety officials. The UAS Summit showcased the latest UAS or drone technologies available to first responders and NY State agencies and gave participants the ability to fly mock disaster scenarios. More than 120 public safety officials and 13 UAS companies participated in the summit which took place at the  State Preparedness Training Center (SPTC)  in Oriskany, NY on day one and day two being held at  Griffiss International Airport  in Rome, NY. “We have a great partnership with The New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services,”  said NUAIR CEO Ken Stewart.  “With our combined efforts of NUAIR and Oneida County, coupled with two world-class facilities, for UAS, Griffiss and the SPTC, we continue to enable New York State and local agencies, helping them implement safe, regulatory compliant and efficient drone operations to help them save time, money and lives.” The first day of the UAS Summit held at the SPTC provided ample opportunities for learning and sharing best practices. The morning session featured presentations from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and NUAIR, which provided important updates on topics of interest to Summit attendees. The Summit also included a panel discussion on Building an Effective Public Safety UAS Program and case studies highlighting relevant use-cases of UAS operations. The first afternoon of the Summit gave UAS pilots hands-on opportunities to test their skills in a variety of response scenarios and provided a great backdrop for the day ahead. “DHSES is honored to host the third annual UAS Summit at the State Preparedness Training Center this year,”  said Patrick Murphy, Commissioner of the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services.  “This event brings federal, state, and local public safety professionals together to have meaningful conversations and share best practices on safe UAS operation. We thank NUAIR for partnering with us on this important event.” The second day was held at Griffiss International Airport at the  New York UAS Test Site , one of only seven FAA-designated UAS test sites in the country. The hangar was filled with multiple vendors showcasing the latest drone technologies specifically designed for state agencies, public safety and first responders. Throughout the day each vendor conducted a live demonstration of their technology or service including different types of drones, scanning software, drones with a loud “bullhorn” speaker, “drone-in-a-box” solutions, live-streaming, and counter UAS technology. Most of the agencies in attendance have their own drone units and are currently utilizing drones in many applications, including emergency response, search and rescue, and infrastructure inspection. The goal of day two was to showcase the latest UAS technologies that could help them improve the efficiency of their operations and help save lives. Vendors in attendance included: AeroDefense, Autel, Cal Analytics, Drone Responders, Empire Drone, FIRST iZ, FLYMOTION, Fotokite, NSION, Preparedness Advisors, Skydio, and WhiteFox Defense. “The New York UAS Test Site in Oneida County is emerging as the center for UAS command and control testing and development, for companies from around the world. We were proud to partner with NUAIR and the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services to showcase the site for first responders from around the state,”  said Oneida County Executive Anthony J. Picente, Jr. “I’m grateful to NUAIR and the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services hosting the UAS Summit,”  said Rep. John Katko (NY-24).  “Technologies showcased at the summit demonstrated how UAS technology can be effectively deployed by first responders and public safety officials in responding to disasters and other crisis situations. NUAIR continues to make exciting advancements in UAS technology that will save time, money, and lives. In Congress, I’ve been a steadfast advocate for NUAIR and The New York UAS Test Site and will continue working to help our region grow as a hub for UAS research.” The New York State Public Safety UAS Summit is part of NUAIR’s NYFLY program which supports the NYS DHSES and all New York State and local agencies exploring the use of drones for critical missions and daily operations. NYFLY is one of NUAIR’s core initiatives to help New York State and local agencies integrate scalable drone operations with the highest level of safety, are regulatory compliant, and make daily operations more efficient. NUAIR has helped over 20 agencies implement their drone programs and are actively seeking to help more.   ###   About NUAIR NUAIR (Northeast UAS Airspace Integration Research Alliance, Inc.) is a New York-based nonprofit organization that provides expertise in unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) operations, aeronautical research, safety management and consulting services. NUAIR is responsible for the continued advancement of New York’s 50-mile UAS Corridor and Advanced Air Mobility Proving Grounds, facilitating beyond visual line of sight testing and commercial drone operations. Headquartered in Syracuse, NUAIR manages operations of the FAA-designated New York UAS Test Site at Griffiss International Airport in Rome, NY, responsible to the FAA and NASA to conduct operations for UAS and advanced air mobility testing. Visit  www.nuair.org  to learn more.

NUAIR expertise a key asset towards unlocking the true potential of UAS technology and economically viable commercial drone operations. (SYRACUSE, NY)  – The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has selected  NUAIR  to participate in the  FAA’s Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) Aviation Rulemaking Committee (ARC) .  NUAIR supports this ARC focused on the development of performance-based regulatory requirements to normalize safe, scalable, economically viable, and environmentally advantageous unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) BVLOS operations. NUAIR CEO Ken Stewart will represent NUAIR on the ARC. NUAIR continues to work with the FAA, NASA, and industry on key projects that pave the way for future aviation and the overall safe integration of unmanned aircraft into the national airspace system. In 2020 NUAIR and the New York UAS Test Site were selected by the FAA to conduct high-density UAS operations in an urban environment as part of the  FAA’s UAS Traffic Management Pilot Program . “The ability to safely fly beyond visual line of sight is what will truly unlock the full potential of UAS, making commercial drone operations both scalable and economically viable,”  said Ken Stewart, chief executive officer of NUAIR . “We’ve been working directly with the FAA for many years, completing meaningful projects together and we are pleased to be selected to sit on this very important rulemaking committee.” The FAA BVLOS ARC kicked off in the third week of June 2021 and plan to have a recommendation report submitted within six months.   ###   About NUAIR NUAIR (Northeast UAS Airspace Integration Research Alliance, Inc.) is a New York-based nonprofit organization that provides expertise in unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) operations, aeronautical research, safety management and consulting services. NUAIR is responsible for the continued advancement of New York’s 50-mile UAS Corridor and Advanced Air Mobility Proving Grounds, facilitating beyond visual line of sight testing and commercial drone operations. Headquartered in Syracuse, NUAIR manages operations of the FAA-designated New York UAS Test Site at Griffiss International Airport in Rome, NY, responsible to the FAA and NASA to conduct operations for UAS and advanced air mobility testing. Visit  www.nuair.org  to learn more.

Annual ASTM International meeting brings together international leaders in the uncrewed systems industry to collaborate and develop UAS standards. (ROME, NEW YORK) – NUAIR will host the June meeting of ASTM International’s unmanned aircraft committee (F38) at the New York UAS Test Site in Rome, NY, June 1 through June 3. The meeting will bring together up to 100 international industry leaders in the uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) industry focused on developing industry standards to advance the integration of UAS into the national airspace. ASTM’s F38 committee addresses issues related to design, performance, quality acceptance tests, and safety monitoring for unmanned air vehicle systems. Stakeholders include manufacturers of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and their components, federal agencies, design professionals, professional societies, maintenance professionals, trade associations, financial organizations, and academia. Over 600 members are involved in this multinational initiative: all participating actively within a three-tiered subcommittee structure focusing on airworthiness, flight operations, and operator qualifications. “NUAIR has had an active voice in ASTM International and many other UAS standards organizations for years, helping to develop the standards needed for safe, commercial drone operations,” said NUAIR CEO Ken Stewart. “We are looking forward to hosting and taking part in the next ASTM International meeting at the New York UAS Test Site.” “Oneida County is happy to host ASTM International’s annual meeting at our UAS Test Site at Griffiss,” said Oneida County Executive Anthony J. Picente Jr. “We welcome the industry leaders whose cutting-edge development is advancing the integration of unmanned aircraft into the national airspace. We are proud to conduct the research at our site that is aiding in their efforts to revolutionize the capabilities of drone delivery.” One key standard that NUAIR has helped ASTM International establish was the small UAS Parachute Recovery Systems Standard (ASTM F3322-18) . NUAIR has validated multiple parachute recovery systems on multiple drone platforms since the standard was published in late 2018. Having an sUAS parachute recovery system validated to the ASTM standard opens a wide range of commercial opportunities for companies by enhancing their safety case with the FAA when applying for their waiver to fly over people.   ###   About NUAIR NUAIR (Northeast UAS Airspace Integration Research Alliance, Inc.) is a New York-based nonprofit with a mission to safely integrate uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) into the national airspace, enabling scalable, economically viable commercial drone operations. NUAIR manages operations of the FAA-designated New York UAS Test Site at Griffiss International Airport, Rome, NY on behalf of Oneida County and is responsible for the advancement of New York’s 50-mile UAS Corridor between Rome and Syracuse, NY. https://nuair.org About ASTM ASTM International is a globally recognized leader in the development and delivery of voluntary consensus standards. ASTM International’s mission is to meet global societal needs and positively impact public health and safety, consumer confidence and overall quality of life by integrating consensus standards, developed with international membership of volunteer technical experts, and innovative services.