Celebrating National Aviation Day: Innovation in Flight and Beyond
Every August 19, we celebrate National Aviation Day—a testament to the innovation, vision, and determination that have shaped our skies and propelled human progress. Here in Atlantic County, the Atlantic County Economic Alliance (ACEA) and the National Aerospace Research and Technology Park (NARTP) are at the forefront of ensuring that aviation and aerospace go beyond industries of the past to become gateways to the future.
A Year of Milestones
Over the past year, ACEA and NARTP have reached remarkable milestones, cementing our region’s position as a hub of cutting-edge aviation research and economic growth. Through dynamic partnerships with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), NASA, the U.S. Air Force, leading universities, investors, and private-sector innovators, we are creating an ecosystem to push the boundaries of technological advancement with opportunities for the workforce of tomorrow.
Thanks to years of determined effort and foresight, the southern New Jersey region is now well positioned to support flight testing activities of Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS/drones) and Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) aircraft, also known as flying cars. Our Cape-Atlantic UAS Test Range is authorized by the FAA under an extension of the University of Alaska. This designation allows the range to operate seamlessly within the regulatory framework set forth by the FAA.
Located in the middle of the Northeast Corridor, the test range is strategically positioned to provide easy access from major urban centers, including New York, Boston, and Washington, D.C. This prime location facilitates convenient travel for companies and innovators involved in UAS testing, offering significant logistical advantages.
Earlier this year, the NARTP began construction on a new 40,000-square-foot aviation research building, which will be ready for occupancy in early 2026. The facility is accepting leasing requests and will boast New Jersey’s only aerospace “Strategic Innovation Center,” both a designation and investment by the state government to drive innovation and foster new job growth related to aviation.
Moreover, in late June, NBC Nightly News highlighted how the NARTP-funded and FAA-backed Airport Autonomy Initiative, supported by tech companies, universities, and the Defense Department, conducted an eight-week trial using three autonomous robots at the Atlantic City International Airport.
The robots tested included:
- Dusty Bot, which scans the airport perimeter and alerts operators to any people, animals, or objects in restricted areas.
- A debris-clearing robot designed to remove dangerous foreign objects from the tarmac—these FOD (Foreign Object Debris) pose major risks to aircraft and cost the aviation industry billions annually.
- A mower robot, which handled grass trimming tasks around the airfield.
At the same time, forward-thinking companies like BETA Technologies have leveraged the region’s supportive ecosystem. During an event at Atlantic City International Airport, BETA showcased the all-electric ALIA aircraft, performing a flight around the Egg Harbor Township airspace. The company also hosted a joint demonstration with the U.S. Air Force’s Air Mobility Command, which displayed ALIA’s cargo and logistics capabilities in real-world scenarios.
Why It Matters
These achievements are creating a ripple effect—driving job growth and opening new career opportunities in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). They attract private investments to our region, strengthening our reputation as a hub of opportunity in New Jersey and across the northeastern United States. Above all, they show that the future of aviation—and its significant economic influence—belongs to those willing to think boldly and act decisively.
Looking Toward the Future
National Aviation Day is a reminder of how much progress we’ve made since the Wright brothers’ first flight. But it’s also a call to action—a celebration of what can happen when industries, governments, and communities work together to envision what’s next.
We believe more incredible opportunities are ahead, especially as the nation moves rapidly to replace its aging air traffic control system. Much of the verification and validation activities for this new system will undoubtedly happen at the FAA William J. Hughes Technical Center for Advanced Aerospace and the adjacent NARTP campus.
Happy National Aviation Day!
Lauren Moore, of Bordentown, is the President of the Atlantic County Economic Alliance, a private-sector-directed, nonprofit economic development corporation established in 2017 for business attraction, retention, and marketing efforts in Atlantic County. Visit aceanj.com or call 609-245-0019 for more information.