Austin News

U.S. Senate Commerce Committee Chairman Ted Cruz has expressed his approval of Texas being chosen as the site for the new Center for Advanced Aviation Technologies (CAAT). The decision was announced by Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy, who stated that the Texas A&M System will oversee the new center, which will be centered in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex and elsewhere in Texas.

Ted Cruz was instrumental in securing the project for Texas, having been a key advocate for a provision in the bipartisan FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024. This act allowed for the creation of a federal research and testing center dedicated to emerging aviation technologies, such as drones and supersonic planes. Cruz noted, “When I authored the bipartisan FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024, I wrote the language creating the Center for Advanced Aviation Technologies with the express intention of bringing that Center to the Dallas-Fort Worth area because of the groundbreaking innovation occurring there."

The Texas A&M System is set to lead a cooperative effort involving several Texas universities, private entities, and the FAA. The aim is to advance the integration and development of modern aviation technologies. Cruz added, "I’m thankful to Secretary Duffy for recognizing the value of placing the new center in Texas, and I’m grateful to see the Texas A&M System leading this initiative."

Secretary Duffy echoed the sentiment, citing Texas's leadership in commercial drone safety testing: “Texas is the perfect place for our new Center for Advanced Aviation Technologies." He emphasized the exciting opportunities represented by ongoing and future innovations, including drone delivery systems and air taxis.

John Sharp, Chancellor of the Texas A&M University System, also expressed enthusiasm. “We’re thrilled the Department of Transportation has selected The Texas A&M University System to lead the Center for Advanced Aviation Technologies in Fort Worth," he stated. He pointed to the involvement of institutions like Texas A&M-Corpus Christi, which already houses an FAA-designated test site for unmanned aircraft systems.

The CAAT will focus on integrating advanced air mobility, supported by Texas A&M’s Autonomy Research Institute and partnerships at the University of North Texas, Southern Methodist University, and other institutions, along with nonacademic partnerships. The center is expected to spearhead a new era of aviation technology and bolster the Texas economy through high-tech jobs and investments.

In the prior year, Cruz organized a roundtable with industry leaders to bolster Texas's candidacy as the CAAT location.