Rep. Sykes Reintroduces Bipartisan AIRSHIP Act to Advance Safe, Sustainable Airship Research
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representatives Emilia Sykes (OH-13) and Dave Joyce (OH-14) reintroduced the bipartisan Airship Improvement Research for Safety and Humanitarian Innovation Projects (AIRSHIP) Act. The bill supports research and development of modern airships to promote sustainable air cargo transportation, improve disaster response, and provide humanitarian aid in areas that are hard to reach by traditional aircraft.
“Airships are not just part of our history, they are part of our future,” said Rep. Sykes. “Ohio’s 13th Congressional District is home to the world-famous Goodyear Blimp and the Akron Airdock. This legislation will support our community’s leadership in airship technology, and it will encourage the innovative use of airships to safely deliver supplies, reach communities in need, and respond to natural disasters in an environmentally friendly way.”
"From the Wright Brothers to the NASA Glenn Research Center, Ohio has a rich history of advancing aviation technology. We must continue that legacy by investing in research and development across the full spectrum of aircraft, including airships, which have unique capabilities that allow them to service remote areas or those affected by disaster," said Rep. Joyce. "I want to thank Rep. Sykes for her leadership on this legislation and for championing continued innovation in American aviation."
The AIRSHIP Act allows NASA to launch research initiatives to explore how airship use can improve safety, noise, environmental impact, and resiliency. It also gives NASA the authority to award grants to teams from universities, industry, and government to advance next-generation airship technologies.
The legislation has been endorsed by Goodyear and the University of Akron, showing strong local support for advancing airship technology.
“Akron’s rich history in airship technology has made a meaningful impact on both the city and the state of Ohio. The University of Akron (UA) is pleased to endorse the AIRSHIP Act,” said Dr. Craig Menzemer, dean of the University’s College of Engineering and Polymer Science. “We look forward to opportunities for our faculty and students to continue leading research and technology initiatives that advance innovations in the airship industry.”
The text of the bill can be found here.