Senator Ryan’s Bill Signed into Law, Strengthening Hiring and Competitiveness for Syracuse Regional Airport Authority

Christopher J. Ryan

November 17, 2025

Bill provides solutions to hiring and retention issues that the Airport Authority faces

 

State Senator Christopher J. Ryan (SD-50) announced that Governor Kathy Hochul has signed his bill, S.7548A, enabling the Syracuse Regional Airport Authority (SRAA) to classify certain positions—excluding police roles—into the exempt civil service class. This law provides the airport with the flexibility it needs to recruit, hire, and retain highly specialized aviation professionals in a competitive national market. This bill was carried in the Assembly by Assemblyman William Magnarelli (AD-129). 
 
“This bill is about making sure the Syracuse Regional Airport has the personnel they need to thrive,” said Senator Ryan. “With the incoming population growth driven by economic investments like Micron, we need an airport capable of meeting rising demand. This law ensures the SRAA can recruit and retain the top talent necessary to keep operations running smoothly. I thank Governor Hochul for signing it and helping Central New York prepare for the future.”
 
“As Chair of the Assembly Transportation Committee, I am pleased Governor Hochul signed this critical bill into law,” said Assemblyman Magnarelli. “We have been working closely with the SRAA and the NYS Department of Civil Service for years on resolving these ongoing recruitment and retention issues at Hancock.  This new law gives the SRAA the flexibility it needs to hire for critical positions in a competitive national aviation market.  I appreciate the assistance of the NYS Department of Civil Service in helping to get this bill over the finish line.”
 
Under the previous system, many aviation-specific positions at SRAA could only be filled on a temporary basis while awaiting civil-service processes that often did not align with the pace or needs of the aviation industry. This made it difficult for Syracuse to attract experienced professionals, particularly those relocating from out of state, who require certainty and stability before moving into high-responsibility operational roles.
The new law does not eliminate standards. Instead, it gives the SRAA the same hiring tools used by peer airports nationwide, allowing it to evaluate candidates based on experience, credentials, professional certifications, and proven expertise—not outdated procedural requirements. Police positions remain fully subject to existing civil-service testing and examination rules.
 
Executive Director of the Syracuse Regional Airport Authority Jason Terreri said, “This new law will allow the Syracuse Regional Airport Authority to recruit and retain the specialized aviation professionals we need to keep pace with Central New York’s unprecedented economic growth. With major regional investments underway, including Micron’s historic arrival, this change is essential to maintaining safe, efficient operations and supporting the economic momentum that is transforming our region. We extend our sincere thanks to Senator Ryan and Assemblyman Magnarelli for their leadership in advancing this measure, and to Governor Hochul for signing it into law. We are incredibly grateful for their partnership and commitment to ensuring SYR is prepared for the future.”

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