News Summary
The Georgia Aerospace & Defense Alliance (GADA) has been formed to enhance and support Georgia’s aerospace sector. With a focus on innovation and workforce development, the alliance will lobby for state support and engage with local colleges to develop talent. Spearheaded by industry leaders, GADA aims to ensure the state’s competitiveness in the aerospace and defense industries while addressing critical needs and funding through member contributions.
Macon, Georgia – The newly formed Georgia Aerospace & Defense Alliance (GADA) aims to bolster the state’s aerospace sector and ensure its growth and competitiveness. Established with the support of major industry players, the alliance has the potential to significantly influence the future of aerospace and defense in Georgia.
Founding members of the GADA span across various sectors in the aerospace industry, including Gulfstream Aerospace Corp., a jet manufacturer based in Savannah, Lockheed Martin, a defense contractor, FlightSafety International, a pilot training firm, as well as Rolls-Royce and Pratt & Whitney of parent company RTX. The alliance will be headquartered at Mercer University in Macon, renowned for its engineering research center that supports the nearby Robins Air Force Base.
Leading the GADA will be Ember Bishop Bentley, who carries experience as a former vice president at Middle Georgia State University and deputy commissioner of international affairs. The chair of the alliance will be Jay Neely, a former Gulfstream executive, who will help guide the organization as it advocates for one of Georgia’s essential industries.
The primary objectives of the GADA include lobbying for state-level support that focuses on promoting aerospace and defense, with particular emphasis on extending the Georgia R&D tax credit. This credit is crucial as it allows companies to offset a portion of their state income tax liabilities—a benefit that many in the industry deem vital for innovation and growth.
In addition to advocacy efforts, the GADA will actively participate in events such as Aerospace Day at the Capitol, representing the collective interests of the industry. By emphasizing research, technical training, and STEM programs in collaboration with local colleges and universities like Georgia Tech and Kennesaw State University, the GADA aims to address the talent development needs of the sector.
Funding for GADA will solely come from its member companies, ensuring independence from public financing. This financial structure will allow for greater focus on addressing the specific needs and priorities of its members without reliance on external budgets.
Aerospace stands as Georgia’s second-largest industry, trailing only agriculture, and is the top sector for exports. According to the Georgia Department of Economic Development, approximately 200,000 jobs in the state are tied to the aerospace sector. The industry is diverse, featuring companies such as Thrush Aircraft, which manufactures crop dusters in Albany; Archer Aviation, which develops electric air taxis in Covington; Maule Air, known for single-engine aircraft in Moultrie; and Hermeus, focused on hypersonic planes produced in Doraville.
Finalists for the “coolest thing made in Georgia” recently showcased the state’s innovative aerospace products, including Gulfstream jets and Lockheed Martin’s C-130J Super Hercules, with the latter securing the top accolade. This recognition highlights the importance of innovation within the state’s aerospace sector.
The GADA’s establishment follows similar industry alliances founded in states such as Alabama, Michigan, and Mississippi, all aiming to maintain a competitive edge in aerospace. By acknowledging the competitive landscape, GADA seeks to ensure that Georgia remains a formidable player in the global aerospace and defense industry.
Bishop Bentley highlighted the organization’s goal to retain graduates within Georgia to support local industries, thereby enhancing economic stability and workforce development. The anticipated growth in the defense sector is poised for a boost, fueled by rising budgets allocated by the Department of Defense specifically for missiles and munitions.
The GADA represents a pivotal step for Georgia’s aerospace industry, promising to propel advocacy, innovation, and workforce development to new heights, ensuring that the state maintains and grows its competitiveness in this vital economic sector.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Times Free Press: Aerospace is a Top Georgia Industry
- Rockdale Newton Citizen: Georgia Aerospace Firms Launch Alliance
- AJC: Georgia Leaders See Sky-High Potential
- GA.com: GA and Radian Aerospace Partner
- Wikipedia: Aerospace Industry
Author: STAFF HERE SAVANNAH WRITER
SAVANNAH STAFF WRITER The SAVANNAH STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESavannah.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Savannah, Chatham County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Savannah Music Festival, St. Patrick's Day Parade, and Savannah Jazz Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce and United Way of the Coastal Empire, plus leading businesses in aerospace, education, and logistics that power the local economy such as Gulfstream Aerospace, Savannah College of Art and Design, and Colonial Group. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAtlanta.com and HEREAugusta.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
