NUAIR, AiRXOS Collaborate on Unmanned Testing & Rating Initiative

Syracuse, New York. — (May 1, 2018) Today, the Northeast UAS Airspace Integration Research Alliance (NUAIR) and AiRXOS, a GE venture, announced a strategic initiative that will enhance drone safety and security over Central New York. The AiRXOS/NUAIR collaboration represents a progressive next step in the CenterState New York region’s goal to become a global hub for the UAS industry.

Combining NUAIR’s new National Unmanned Systems Testing and Rating (NUSTAR) capability with the AiRXOS Autonomous Service Platform, the parties plan to transform and streamline the safe and efficient integration of UAS into the National Airspace System. Working with partners from industry, academia, and standards organizations, NUSTAR will objectively measure UAS performance and test systems against industry consensus standards. AiRXOS will automate the processes used by commercial operators, pilots, organizations, and drone manufacturers to engage in commercial flight operations.

“Unlocking opportunities in autonomy and UAS advanced operations have never been more promising. This collaboration with NUAIR is a significant step in helping achieve advanced UAS safety and efficiency in the Central New York area,” said Ken Stewart, sr. vice president, management & commercial operations, AiRXOS. “We are pleased to be a part of NUAIR’s future and their NUSTAR initiative.”

In addition to the NUSTAR initiative, NUAIR is currently building the nation's first and only Unmanned Traffic Management (UTM) 50-mile test corridor for beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) testing. In November of 2016, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced a $30 million investment to develop the 50-mile flight traffic management system between Syracuse and Griffiss International Airport in Rome to advance the burgeoning Unmanned Aircraft Systems industry in Central New York (CNY) as part of the CNY Rising initiative. Within the 50-mile corridor, strategic investments will accelerate industry growth by supporting emerging uses of Unmanned Aircraft Systems in key industries, including agriculture and forest management, transportation and logistics, media and film development, utilities and infrastructure, and public safety.

“The NUAIR Alliance remains committed to driving progress through an increased focus on the development of UAS policy and standards,” said Major General Marke F. “Hoot” Gibson (ret), chief executive officer, NUAIR Alliance. “Central to this effort is the establishment of the NUSTAR initiative in collaboration with AiRXOS, which will advance NUAIR’s mission to safely integrate UAS in the National Airspace System, and validate our regional efforts to become a leading hub of UAS industry.”

Founded by members of CenterState Corporation for Economic Opportunity (CEO), the NUAIR Alliance looks at the UAS industry as a boost to economic development and job creation. In furthering the research and development of technologies for UAS, NUAIR is looking to attract new, permanent businesses to the region.

“Through this collaboration with AiRXOS, New York will lead the nation in the rating and testing of UAS - advancing opportunities for companies to connect with these systems for commercial use,” said Robert Simpson, president of CenterState CEO. “This allows us to attract new business to Central New York and create high-quality jobs. We look forward to this collaboration and the next phase of growth for the UAS industry in the region.”

Howard Zemsky, Empire State Development president, CEO & commissioner said, “New York State’s strategic investments are cementing Central New York’s position as a global hub for all aspects of the UAS industry. These investments and the region’s commitment to innovation and entrepreneurialism are strengthening the local economy and boosting this burgeoning sector.”

NUAIR is headquartered in Syracuse, NY and supports the New York UAS Test Site at Griffiss International Airport in Rome, NY, one of just seven FAA-designated UAS test sites in the United States.

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About NUAIR

The Northeast UAS Airspace Integration Research Alliance (NUAIR), along with 200+ partners, works to advance unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) research and to accelerate UAS industry economic development in the region. NUAIR manages one of seven federallydesignated UAS test sites in the United States, and is at the forefront of public policy development, commercialization and safe integration of UAS into the National Airspace System (NAS). For more information, visit www.nuairalliance.org

About AiRXOS

AiRXOS, a GE venture, is accelerating the safe, efficient, and scalable growth of unmanned vehicles in the national air space. AiRXOS helps government agencies, regional aviation authorities and private sector operators manage and meet the increasing demand for sophisticated and safe UAS operations. AiRXOS is a wholly-owned subsidiary of GE, jointly owned by GE Ventures and GE Aviation. For more information, visit www.airxos.io.

About CenterState CEO

CenterState CEO is an independent and forward thinking economic development strategist, business leadership organization and chamber of commerce; dedicated to the success of its members and the prosperity of the region. We serve as an advocate and resource for smart business, catalyze and facilitate regional growth, and promote community prosperity through results-driven partnerships, planning and problem-solving. www.centerstateceo.com