Yorkville, NY – October 22, 2025 – AX Enterprize, LLC (AX), a leader in advanced aviation technologies, today announced the appointment of Abigail Smith as Chief Operating Officer (COO). Smith brings more than three and a half decades of experience in aviation policy, data transformation, organizational leadership, and aviation innovation, positioning AX for operational development as the FAA advances regulations.
Smith is widely recognized for her ability to transform aeronautical data systems. At the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), she modernized aeronautical data processes, driving the transformation of aeronautical charts from manual, paper processes to a fully digitized process. She also directed the Air Traffic Organization Technical Training Modernization program, overseeing an operational budget of over $100 million, a direct workforce of more than 450 personnel, and hundreds of additional contract staff across air traffic, technical operations, and engineering training for career-long development.
“Abigail’s regulatory expertise, operational leadership, and deep understanding of aviation data systems come at a pivotal moment for AX,” said Pat Baskinger, CEO of AX Enterprize. “As the industry prepares for the release of new rules, her vision and network across government and industry will be instrumental in scaling our operations and driving innovation.”
Smith has an extensive network within the aviation industry, particularly in advancing innovative technologies and fostering collaboration among federal, state, local, tribal, and territorial governments. Smith co-led the UAS Detection and Mitigation Aviation Rulemaking Committee with Michael Robbins, CEO of Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI), and Matt Cornelius of Airports Council International – North America (ACI-NA), bringing together 56 organizations representing every corner of the aviation ecosystem. The group included airframe and drone manufacturers, counter-UAS (C-UAS) technology developers, public safety officials, unions, trade associations, stadium and venue operators, privacy advocates, and public interest groups. Through her leadership, the committee built consensus across these diverse stakeholders in less than a year, producing a roadmap for the FAA and industry partners to follow in responsibly scaling C-UAS capabilities while balancing safety, security, and privacy concerns. Her proven ability to align regulatory frameworks with operational realities makes her ideally suited to help AX continue its leadership in airspace integration and advanced aviation services.
“I am honored to join AX Enterprize at such a transformative time,” said Smith. “AX has been at the forefront of UAS integration and data innovation, and I look forward to working with this incredible team to advance scalable, safe, and innovative aviation solutions. With the upcoming FAA regulatory changes, there is a tremendous opportunity to shape how data-driven systems and uncrewed technologies are integrated into the national airspace. My goal is to help position AX to not only meet these challenges but to lead the industry in setting new standards for efficiency, safety, and collaboration.”
With Smith’s appointment, AX Enterprize is positioned to expand its role in supporting both government and commercial partners as aviation technologies evolve. The company plans to scale its operational footprint, strengthen partnerships across regulatory and industry ecosystems, and broaden its portfolio of advanced aviation services in anticipation of upcoming FAA regulations. By aligning strategic leadership with organizational growth, AX will continue to accelerate the safe integration of uncrewed systems and data-driven solutions into the national airspace, reinforcing its position as a trusted leader in aviation innovation.