ARA has partnered with the Atlantic County Economic Alliance (ACEA) and the National Aerospace Research and Technology Park (NARTP) on an effort for the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) proposed Center for Advanced Aviation Technologies (CAAT).
ARA and its partners offer a visionary initiative for the center that combines innovative technologies, expert services, and a bold mission to drive the future of Advanced Air Mobility (AAM).
“This proposal highlights our partnership’s capacity to innovate and integrate critical aviation technologies,” said Richard Speir, ARA vice president and division manager. “This is an exciting time as we address AAM’s present challenges and define its future.”
ARA is a trusted name in engineering, research, and large-scale program management. For the CAAT, ARA will lead as the overall program management organization, ensuring operational excellence while leveraging its decades of experience supporting FAA initiatives.
Specific partnership highlights include managing the AAM airspace laboratory and developing flight demonstration zones and testing range. These efforts align with the FAA’s broader commitment to enhancing the safety and efficiency of the nation’s airspace system.
Headquartered at the NARTP and strategically located within New Jersey’s Aviation Innovation Hub adjacent to the FAA’s William J. Hughes Technical Center for Advanced Aerospace, the partnership assembled a highly skilled team of experts representing industry, academia, government, and research institutions.
The effort is also supported by a coalition of leading institutions such as Rutgers University, Drexel University, Rowan University, Stockton University, and Wichita State University’s National Institute for Aviation Research (NIAR). Industry collaborators include AECOM, Quecon, Woolpert, and IRG, alongside aviation stakeholders like Atlantic City International Airport (ACY), Cape May Airport, and more.
The coalition meets all FAA criteria for the proposed center, including proximity to major airports, aviation manufacturing facilities, testing airspace, and vibrant urban and rural communities, along with robust public/private partnerships.
“Our coalition is well-prepared to support the FAA’s vision for the CAAT,” said Howard Kyle, President of the NARTP. “Backed by our deep relationships with the FAA, subject matter expertise, and years of collaborative innovation, we are confident in our ability to exceed every one of the FAA’s requirements.”
Together, the partnership continues to strengthen New Jersey’s position as the premier hub for advancing aviation and aerospace technologies and pave the way for safe and efficient airspace operations.
“New Jersey continues to lead the way in advancing aviation innovation and creating opportunities that will define the future of this critical industry,” said Lauren Moore, President of the ACEA. “This partnership exemplifies our commitment to fostering collaboration, driving technological advancements, and solidifying our state’s position as a hub for advanced aerospace research and development.”
About the Atlantic County Economic Alliance
The Atlantic County Economic Alliance is a nonprofit organization focused on diversifying Atlantic County’s economy and attracting business investment to the region. Learn more at www.aceanj.com.
About the National Aerospace Research and Technology Park
The National Aerospace Research and Technology Park is a premier center for advanced aviation research, dedicated to fostering innovation and collaboration within the aerospace industry. Learn more at www.NARTP.org.
