Erlanger, Ky. (Aug. 11, 2026) Delivering urgently needed medical supplies. Transporting a specialized technician to a remote job site. Surveying storm damage in the minutes after disaster strikes.
All are potential uses for uncrewed aerial systems (UAS), an emerging technology poised to revolutionize how people and goods move through the sky.
To help develop and test real-life applications for UAS, Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG) and Sinclair Community College have signed a memorandum of understanding outlining a new model for regional collaboration.
Together, CVG and Sinclair will work to advance UAS and other NextGen aviation technologies, including Advanced Air Mobility (AAM), a related concept that describes the transport of people and cargo in highly automated electric aircraft, often at lower altitudes than typical air traffic.
The agreement builds on a decade of regional groundwork. Ohio DOT’s DriveOhio and Fly Ohio programs established the policy, airspace, and flight testing foundation for air operations, anchoring the National Advanced Air Mobility Center of Excellence at Springfield-Beckley Municipal Airport. Investment and manufacturing followed: GE Aerospace’s investment into electric propulsion developer BETA Technologies; Joby Aviation manufacturing in Dayton; Anduril Industries manufacturing its first Ohio-built autonomous aircraft near Columbus; and Electra.aero announcing a plant at Springfield-Beckley for its nine-passenger hybrid-electric EL9 Ultra Short aircraft.
“Partnering with the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport provides our faculty and students with an unparalleled real-world laboratory environment,” said Dr. Andrew Shepherd, Chief Research Officer at Sinclair. “This agreement directly enhances our capability to align Sinclair’s premier UAS and AAM curriculum with commercial airport operations, ensuring our students remain at the cutting edge of the global aviation industry.”
Under the agreement with Sinclair, CVG’s innovation team will leverage the college’s nationally recognized aviation centers, academic programs, faculty and researchers to drive the airport’s strategic objectives. The airport will receive access to emerging technology solutions, industry introductions, and student talent pools to cultivate the future aerospace workforce.
At the same time, Sinclair students and faculty will have the opportunity to observe and test ideas in a real-world environment.
“This collaboration with Sinclair College marks a significant milestone in our ongoing commitment to aviation innovation at CVG,” said Larry Krauter, CEO of CVG Airport. “By integrating Sinclair’s academic excellence and leading-edge UAS and AAM programs with our world-class airport infrastructure, we have an opportunity to prepare the airport for a multi-state deployment of next-generation aerial technologies while building a highly skilled workforce to support them.”
The operational and academic collaboration between the two institutions encompasses several key areas of mutual focus, including:
Advanced Air Mobility & UAS initiatives: Joint exploration of practical applications, including critical medical use cases aimed at delivering healthcare logistics to underserved regional populations.
Research & technology demonstrations: Identifying, researching, and demonstrating emerging aviation technologies and operational methodologies across academic, commercial, and government applications, utilizing concurrent research frameworks.
STEM & community outreach: Co-developing and distributing educational Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) materials to inspire K-12 students and support educators.
Through this agreement, both CVG and Sinclair Community College reinforce their roles as catalysts for technological advancement and economic development within the Ohio River Valley aerospace corridor. Together they look forward to advancing innovation, workforce development, and growth in aviation and beyond.
ABOUT CVG AIRPORT
CVG welcomed 9 million travelers in 2025. The airport offers more than 55 nonstop destinations with 14 airlines/tour operators. It is proud to serve two nonstop transatlantic flights: to London via British Airways, and to Paris-CDG through Delta Air Lines. CVG is home to two global air hubs: Amazon Air’s Hub and DHL Express’ Global Superhub for the Americas. With an annual impact of $12.2 billion on the local economy, the airport drives regional growth and remains a leader in aviation innovation. Learn more at CVGairport.com
ABOUT SINCLAIR COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Sinclair Community College offers more than 300 degree and certificate programs, including four bachelor’s degrees, in specialized and technical areas of study that are in high demand in the Dayton region. Sinclair is recognized as a local and national leader in delivering high-quality and affordable higher education. Sinclair Community College was named the top college in the country for sustained and persistent student success when it received the esteemed Leah Meyer Austin Award from Achieving the Dream. One of the oldest and best-known community colleges in the nation, Sinclair was founded in 1887 and is a board member of the prestigious League for Innovation in the Community College. Visit sinclair.edu.
