Donates $1 Million For Faculty Leadership Positions

Four years after launching a partnership with The Ohio State University to establish the Center for Aviation Studies, NetJets has reinforced its investment in aviation’s next generation.

NetJets has donated an additional $1 million to bolster faculty leadership positions, research initiatives, educational and outreach opportunities, and internships for Ohio State students.

NetJets’ gift emphasizes advancement of aviation technology and processes. A NetJets Designated Chair of Aviation Modernization and Designated Professor of Aviation will spur the recruitment of nationally recognized leaders in research and education. A portion of the gift also supports Next Generation Air Traffic Management systems research and implementation, working in partnership with the FAA’s NextGen program. By integrating data analytics with aviation operations, Ohio State and NetJets hope to innovate new solutions to further enhance aviation safety, accessibility and sustainability.

“This partnership with The Ohio State University is one that has broad benefit for aviation and will help shape the future of the industry,” said Robert Tanner, vice president of government and industry affairs for NetJets. “By leveraging the resources at the university we are able to build on our commitment to the FAA and the industry, leading the NextGen effort to reshape the National Air Traffic System from research to runway.”

The thousands of planes in the air right now are flying indirect routes defined by an air traffic infrastructure based in mid-20th century technologies. NextGen is an endeavor designed to shift navigation, surveillance and communication from an outdated analog system to digital and satellite-based technologies. This modernization will provide greater precision and flexibility, reducing travel time and improving the environmental performance of aircraft—less fuel burn, noise and exhaust emissions. NextGen also gives aviation operators higher schedule predictability and increases capacity.

“NetJets’ generosity and foresight epitomizes how a company can contribute to the advancement of both education and industry simultaneously,” said College of Engineering Dean David B. Williams. “While we here at Ohio State cherish this continued partnership, many more around the world will benefit from the talent and technology it produces.”

A successful NetJets-Ohio State internship program that started in 2011 will receive funds to expand support for up to five interns per year. Reflecting the multi-faceted nature of the business aviation industry, students will be recruited from the College of Engineering, College of Arts & Sciences, and Max M. Fisher College of Business, John Glenn School of Public Affairs and Michael E. Moritz College of Law.

According to Center for Aviation Studies Director Seth Young, Ohio State is focused on preparing the next generation of aviation professionals and helping develop and implement the next generation of air traffic management systems.

“Our research and educational programs are responsive to industry and government leaders in aviation,” he said. “Our partnership in NextGen research and education with NetJets is a prime example of how we collaborate as leaders in advancing our country’s aviation system.”

NetJets recently signed a five-year memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the FAA to implement NextGen projects that will lead to safer, more efficient air transportation. The MOU’s scope includes Ohio State computer engineering experts working with NetJets to analyze massive volumes of FAA data on operations in the National Airspace System, helping guide implementation of NextGen technologies.

Young added, “NetJets philanthropic support of cutting-edge aviation research and data analytics solidifies Ohio State’s position as a leading university in NextGen implementation, especially for general and business aviation.”

Officials from both organizations believe the continued, focused partnership will bolster efforts to secure FAA project funding to move NextGen technologies from testing to implementation.

FMI: www.netjets.com