Syracuse Airport Positioned as Hub for Next-Gen Aviation

NUAIR and Syracuse Regional Airport Authority celebrate federal selection of Port Authority of New York and New Jersey for landmark eVTOL Integration Pilot Program

Published on Mar. 12, 2026

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Central New York's investment in airspace infrastructure, cargo operations, and FAA-accepted Beyond Visual Line of Sight capabilities has positioned Syracuse Hancock International Airport as a ready-now hub for the nation's next generation of aviation. The selection of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey for the U.S. Department of Transportation's Advanced Air Mobility and Electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing Integration Pilot Program will leverage Syracuse's existing capabilities to advance cargo, medical logistics, and eventually passenger operations using electric aircraft.

Why it matters

The eIPP program represents the federal government's most ambitious step yet toward integrating next-generation electric aircraft into the national airspace system. Syracuse's existing infrastructure and experience with remotely piloted aircraft operations puts it at the forefront of this emerging industry, positioning the region as a blueprint for how other communities can leverage Advanced Air Mobility technology.

The details

The PANYNJ eIPP proposal specifically identifies upstate New York, including Syracuse, as a critical operational hub. BETA Technologies, selected for seven of the eight eIPP projects nationwide, has identified Syracuse as a launch location for cargo and medical logistics missions. This builds on the FAA-accepted airspace infrastructure that NUAIR has already put in place across 1,900 square miles of Central New York, enabling beyond visual line of sight operations on a daily basis.

  • The eIPP was announced by U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on March 9, 2026.
  • NUAIR received an FAA Letter of Acceptance for its surveillance infrastructure network in July 2025.

The players

NUAIR

A nonprofit driving economic development through innovations in UAS and Advanced Air Mobility to safely integrate into the national airspace.

Syracuse Regional Airport Authority (SRAA)

The organization that operates Syracuse Hancock International Airport (SYR), providing a safe, convenient, seamless passenger experience while enhancing economic opportunity, development, and growth in the region.

Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PANYNJ)

One of eight projects nationwide chosen to participate in the U.S. Department of Transportation's newly established Advanced Air Mobility and Electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing Integration Pilot Program.

BETA Technologies

An electric aircraft company selected for seven of the eight eIPP projects nationwide and participating in the PANYNJ program alongside Archer, Electra, and Joby.

Jason Terreri

Executive Director of the Syracuse Regional Airport Authority.

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What they’re saying

“We're already about two to three years ahead because of the NUAIR Alliance, because of what's going on with already having remotely piloted aircraft operating on the airport. The FAA is already comfortable in this location.”

— Jason Terreri, Executive Director, Syracuse Regional Airport Authority

“The eIPP isn't just a federal program — it's a signal that the United States is serious about leading the world in Advanced Air Mobility, and Central New York is serious about leading the United States. What we've built here with NUAIR's airspace infrastructure and our partnership with Syracuse Hancock is a blueprint other communities will follow. Today, we get to put it to work.”

— Ken Stewart, President & CEO of NUAIR

What’s next

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The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.