News Summary
The Georgia Aerospace & Defense Alliance (GADA) has been established to advocate for the state’s burgeoning aerospace sector. Comprising major players like Gulfstream Aviation and Lockheed Martin, the alliance aims to promote industry growth, support tax incentives for research and development, and foster future talent through STEM programs. With a focus on state-level advocacy, GADA seeks to enhance Georgia’s competitiveness and retain graduates in a critical industry that employs over 200,000 individuals across the state.
Macon, Georgia – Aerospace Companies Unite for Industry Advocacy
Georgia’s booming aerospace sector is set to strengthen its influence with the formation of the Georgia Aerospace & Defense Alliance (GADA), an initiative designed to advocate for the state’s aerospace industry. Comprised of some of the region’s largest aerospace firms, GADA aims to enhance industry growth and development while supporting critical tax incentives for research and development.
Founding members include major players in the aerospace field: Gulfstream Aerospace Corp., Lockheed Martin, FlightSafety International, Rolls-Royce, and Pratt & Whitney, the parent company of RTX. The alliance will be headquartered at Mercer University in Macon, home to an engineering research center that provides support to the nearby Robins Air Force Base.
Leading the organization will be Ember Bishop Bentley as executive director, who has a notable background as the former vice president at Middle Georgia State University and the former deputy commissioner for international affairs at the Georgia Department of Economic Development. Jay Neely, a former Gulfstream executive and chair of the Georgia Department of Economic Development, will serve as the chair.
Alliance Goals and Focus Areas
The newly established alliance intends to create a centralized voice for Georgia’s aerospace industry. One of its primary objectives will be to represent the industry during key state events, such as Aerospace Day at the Capitol. Unlike some national lobbying groups, GADA’s advocacy efforts will focus mainly at the state level.
Among GADA’s prominent goals is promoting Georgia’s tax credit for research and development, which is vital for many companies to offset their income tax liabilities. The organization also aims to aid in developing future talent through STEM programs and technical training at educational institutions throughout the state, integrating with established programs at Georgia Tech and the University of Georgia. Kennesaw State University has recently gained approval to offer a new aerospace engineering degree, further supporting this initiative.
The alliance stresses the importance of retaining graduates within Georgia, especially as the state competes against others like Alabama, Michigan, and Mississippi, which have their own industry advocacy groups.
The Aerospace Landscape in Georgia
The aerospace sector is the second-largest industry in Georgia, following agriculture, and stands as the leading sector for exports. More than 200,000 individuals are employed in aerospace-related jobs within the state, according to data from the Georgia Department of Economic Development. The industry encompasses a diverse range of companies, including Thrush Aircraft, Archer Aviation, Maule Air, and Hermeus.
Georgia is known for a variety of notable aerospace products, including Gulfstream jets, Lockheed Martin’s C-130J Super Hercules, recognized in a contest held by the Georgia Chamber as the “coolest thing made in Georgia,” and Archer Aviation’s Midnight electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft. The state’s capacity for innovation and production within the aerospace sector cements its status as a key player in the industry.
GADA will be financed entirely by its member companies, ensuring that it operates independently without any public funding. As the alliance gears up for operations, it is looking to drive significant advancements in the state’s aerospace offerings and fortify Georgia’s competitive edge in the aerospace industry.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Times Free Press: Aerospace is a top Georgia industry a new group
- Wikipedia: Aerospace Industry
- News Daily: Georgia aerospace firms launch alliance
- Google Search: Georgia aerospace industry
- Atlanta Journal-Constitution: Georgia leaders see sky-high potential
- Google Scholar: Georgia aerospace defense
- Business Facilities: PBS Aerospace to invest in Georgia
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Aerospace
- Aerospace Manufacturing and Design: PBS Aerospace HQ in Atlanta
- Google News: Georgia aerospace news
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.
