News Summary
Georgia’s aerospace industry is getting a major boost with the establishment of the Georgia Aerospace & Defense Alliance (GADA). Comprising key aerospace companies like Gulfstream, Lockheed Martin, and Rolls-Royce, GADA aims to unify educational, industrial, and government efforts to enhance the state’s aerospace and defense sectors. Based at Mercer University in Macon, the alliance seeks to advocate for workforce development, STEM initiatives, and tax incentives, positioning Georgia as a competitive force in the evolving aerospace landscape.
Macon, Georgia – Georgia’s aerospace industry is set to receive a significant boost with the formation of a new statewide organization called the Georgia Aerospace & Defense Alliance (GADA). This alliance comprises leading aerospace companies such as Gulfstream Aerospace, Lockheed Martin, Rolls-Royce, FlightSafety International, and Pratt & Whitney, aiming to bolster the state’s aerospace and defense sectors.
The GADA will be based at Mercer University in Macon, and Ember Bishop Bentley has been appointed as its executive director. Jay Neely, who is also the board chairman for the state Department of Economic Development, has been named the initial board chairman of the alliance. Together, they will lead the organization as it seeks to unify industry, education, and government efforts to keep Georgia competitive in the rapidly evolving aerospace landscape.
Aerospace is vital to Georgia’s economy, representing the state’s second-largest industry with an annual impact exceeding $57.5 billion. Approximately 200,000 employees work in aerospace-related jobs across Georgia. The alliance aims to coordinate advocacy, workforce development, and industrial collaboration to further enhance this critical sector.
Goals and Initiatives
The creation of GADA comes with an ambitious agenda focusing on several key areas. One of the main goals is to advocate for the state’s tax credit for research and development, which significantly aids companies by offsetting corporate income tax liabilities. This incentive is essential in maintaining the competitiveness of Georgia’s aerospace sector.
GADA plans to implement programs to foster future talent through science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) initiatives. The alliance is committed to enhancing technical training at various educational institutions throughout Georgia. Notable institutions involved in aerospace education include Georgia Tech, the University of Georgia, and Kennesaw State University, which recently gained approval for its aerospace engineering degree program. GADA aims to retain graduates in the state to meet workforce needs effectively.
Competitive Landscape
The announcement of GADA highlights Georgia’s intent to stay at the forefront of the aerospace industry, particularly as other states such as Alabama, Michigan, and Mississippi also have similar industry-specific groups. These alliances create a competitive environment for attracting skilled workers and investments in the aerospace sector.
Within this context, aerospace serves as a backbone of many parts of Georgia’s economy, contributing significantly to its export market. Products such as Gulfstream jets and Lockheed Martin’s advanced military aircraft, including the C-130J Super Hercules, exemplify the state’s aerosol manufacturing strengths. The C-130J was recently recognized as the ultimate winner of a contest for “the coolest thing made in Georgia,” underscoring the innovation present within the industry.
Funding and Support
GADA’s operations will be funded entirely by its member companies; it has not received any public funding, allowing it to operate independently while serving the shared interests of its members. With Bentley and Neely at the helm, GADA is poised to play a critical role in representing Georgia’s aerospace and defense interests, particularly during key state events like Aerospace Day at the Capitol.
Through its strategic initiatives and partnerships, GADA seeks to position Georgia as a leader in the aerospace sector, fostering an environment that promotes innovation, collaboration, and continuous growth within this crucial arm of the state’s economy.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- AJC: Georgia Leaders See Sky-High Potential
- Wikipedia: Aerospace Industry
- 11Alive: Georgia’s Aerospace Industry Takes Flight
- Google Search: Georgia aerospace industry
- News-Daily: Georgia Aerospace Firms Launch Alliance
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Aerospace
- AInvest: Unlocking Aerospace Defense Sector Growth
- Google News: Georgia aerospace defense
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.
