EGG HARBOR TOWNSHIP - The National Aerospace Research and Technology Park and the Atlantic County Economic Alliance April 11 welcomed U.S. Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy, Acting FAA Administrator Chris Rocheleau, Congressman Jeff Van Drew, and a delegation of federal, state, and local dignitaries for an official visit highlighting the region’s growing national leadership in aerospace innovation.
During the visit, Duffy and Rocheleau were briefed on a suite of collaborative projects with industry, academia, and government stakeholders, propelling NARTP to the forefront of smart airport technology and resilient air mobility systems.
“Our region is leading the way in developing and deploying aerospace innovation that defines the next generation of aviation,” said alliance Chairman Michael Viscount. “We are incredibly proud to showcase the collaboration, investment, and ingenuity that make Atlantic County a national center for aerospace R&D.”
“Our discussions with Secretary Duffy and Acting FAA Administrator Rocheleau strengthen NARTP’s role as a leader in innovative aerospace research. We are excited to continue pushing the boundaries of autonomy and technology, ensuring that our projects meet the current demands and pave the way for a safer and more efficient airspace in the future,” NARTP President Howard J. Kyle said.
The visit, arranged by Van Drew, was an outstanding opportunity to brief the secretary and the acting administrator on advanced initiatives at NARTP. These initiatives include the establishment of a dual-use test range designed for both military and civilian purposes, with a special focus on emerging aviation technologies such as drones and electric-powered flying cars. The discussion also emphasized two additional initiatives: southern New Jersey’s application for federal funding to become the nation’s Center for Advanced Aviation Technologies, and plans for developing an intermodal logistics hub at Atlantic City International Airport by Industrial Realty Group. This hub aims to leverage the region’s commitment to aviation innovation, particularly for last-mile solutions in package delivery.
"The FAA Technical Center has always been a cornerstone of South Jersey and now, it is etched into law as a permanent fixture of our region," Van Drew said. "Secretary Duffy's visit today shows just how important this facility is on the national stage. With its expanded authority and new designation, the Technical Center is poised to lead the country into the next era of aviation. This means more resources, more innovation, and more opportunities for our local community. Whether it is advancing cutting-edge drone technology or developing the next generation of air traffic systems, the work being done here is helping ensure the United States remains a global leader in aviation."
“We are grateful to Congressman Van Drew for the opportunity to engage directly with top national transportation and aviation leaders,” said Lauren Moore, president of ACEA. “This visit underscores the strategic importance of our work and reinforces the value of continued investment in innovation zones, like New Jersey’s Aviation District.”
The NARTP is a key element of New Jersey’s only state-recognized Aviation Innovation Hub, located in Egg Harbor Township, which links the park to the FAA’s William J. Hughes Technical Center, and ACY, a Smart Airport Testbed. Having the Aviation Innovation Hub included within the test and evaluation corridor for UAS is critical since the FAA Tech Center is ground zero for issues concerning integration of UAS into the national airspace.
