Syracuse, New York – The Syracuse Regional Airport Authority (SRAA), which operates Syracuse Hancock International Airport (SYR), announced today SYR has been selected as a key partner site in a newly announced federal pilot program designed to test and advance next-generation aircraft technologies in U.S. airspace.
The program was unveiled by the U.S. Department of Transportation and the Federal Aviation Administration as part of a national initiative to accelerate the safe integration of emerging aircraft into the nation’s aviation system.
SYR is part of a coalition led by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey that was selected for the program, positioning Syracuse among a small group of locations nationwide helping to shape the future of aviation. Multiple industry partners will collaborate on 12 different operational concepts across New England, including eVTOL passenger operations at the Manhattan heliport. Industry partners include NUAIR, Archer Aviation, BETA Technologies, Electra.aero, and Joby Aviation.
“This is a significant opportunity for our airport and for Central New York,” said Jason Terreri, Executive Director of the Syracuse Regional Airport Authority. “Being part of this national initiative reinforces Syracuse Airport’s role as a platform for innovation in aviation. Programs like this drive regional economic development, attract new investment, and help position our community at the forefront of the next generation of aerospace technology.”
The pilot program will test and demonstrate advanced aircraft technologies, including electric and hybrid aircraft and eVTOL (electric vertical takeoff and landing) aircraft, which are expected to play a major role in the future of aviation. These technologies enable new types of air transportation, such as short-distance regional flights, cargo delivery, and advanced air mobility services. Through the program, participating partners will conduct testing, demonstrations, and operational evaluations designed to help federal regulators better understand how these aircraft can safely operate in the national airspace system alongside traditional commercial and general aviation traffic. The results of these demonstrations will help inform future federal safety standards, operational procedures, and policies governing advanced aircraft.
“This selection is proof that the investment Central New York has made in building real, operational airspace infrastructure pays off,” said Ken Stewart, President & CEO of NUAIR. “NUAIR’s surveillance network exists precisely for moments like this — when the industry is ready to move from demonstration to deployment, the infrastructure is already here, proven, accepted, and operational. We are proud to be the foundation that makes upstate New York a launch site for the nation’s next generation of aviation.”
Syracuse Hancock International Airport will serve as a vital operational hub for testing and research that will inform how advanced aircraft are certified, operated, and integrated into communities across the United States.
About the SRAA
The Syracuse Regional Airport Authority (SRAA) operates Syracuse Hancock International Airport (SYR) serving Upstate New York, providing a safe, convenient, seamless passenger experience while enhancing economic opportunity, development, and growth in the region. Established on August 17, 2011, the SRAA officially took over operations of the airport from the City of Syracuse on March 1, 2014. The SRAA’s vision is for SYR to be recognized as a best-in-class airport elevating the customer experience and exceeding stakeholder expectations, while using innovative technology and optimizing the economic prosperity of the region we serve.
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