Georgia Aerospace Defense Alliance Boosts State Industry Growth

Georgia Aerospace Firms Launch Alliance to Promote State’s Second-Largest Industry

Georgia’s aerospace and defense sector has reached a new milestone with the creation of the Georgia Aerospace & Defense Alliance (GADA), a coalition announced by five leading industry players: Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation, Lockheed Martin, Rolls-Royce, FlightSafety International, and RTX. This alliance is a strategic response to the evolving demands and competitive pressures within the aerospace industry, which remains a cornerstone of the state’s economy. With an annual economic impact exceeding $57.5 billion and a workforce of approximately 200,000, the industry is not only Georgia’s second-largest but also a driver of innovation, exports, and high-quality jobs. The alliance’s establishment underscores the maturity and ambition of Georgia’s aerospace ecosystem, aiming to maintain and enhance the state’s leadership in a rapidly advancing sector.

As Georgia’s aerospace industry faces both unprecedented growth opportunities and intensifying competition from other states, GADA’s formation is timely. The alliance is headquartered at Mercer University in Macon, a central location that leverages academic research strengths and accessibility to key industry hubs across the state. Under the leadership of Executive Director Ember Bishop Bentley and Chairman Jay Neely, GADA seeks to unify industry voices, foster workforce development, and advocate for policies that secure Georgia’s competitive edge in the global aerospace marketplace.

This article explores the formation of the Georgia Aerospace & Defense Alliance, the economic significance of the aerospace industry in Georgia, the alliance’s leadership and organizational vision, and the broader context of workforce, policy, and technological trends shaping the sector’s future.

The Strategic Formation of the Georgia Aerospace & Defense Alliance

The Georgia Aerospace & Defense Alliance was officially launched in August 2025 as a response to the need for a unified, statewide organization dedicated to advancing the aerospace and defense industries. The five founding members each bring unique strengths to the alliance: Gulfstream is a global leader in business jet manufacturing; Lockheed Martin has a storied history of military aircraft production in Marietta; Rolls-Royce operates a major customer support center in Savannah; FlightSafety International offers advanced pilot training; and RTX’s Pratt & Whitney division produces aircraft engines in Georgia.

Mercer University in Macon was selected as GADA’s headquarters, a decision reflecting both geographic strategy and the importance of academic-industry collaboration. Macon’s central location provides access to aerospace activities statewide, from Savannah to Marietta and beyond, while Mercer’s engineering research center supports connections with Robins Air Force Base, one of the largest military employers in the Southeast. This location strengthens the alliance’s ability to integrate academic research, workforce training, and industry needs.

GADA’s formation aligns with national trends emphasizing the importance of public-private partnerships and collaborative approaches to industry challenges. The alliance’s focus areas include coordinated advocacy, workforce development, and industrial collaboration. This structure is designed to address issues such as supply chain disruptions, talent shortages, and the need for rapid technological adaptation. As Chairman Jay Neely noted, the alliance fills a gap by providing a “central meeting place and a central voice for the industry,” ensuring that Georgia’s aerospace sector can respond cohesively to both opportunities and challenges.

“Until formation of our group, there really wasn’t what I would call a central meeting place and a central voice for the industry.”, Jay Neely, GADA Chairman

GADA’s advocacy work will be crucial as it represents industry interests at events like Aerospace Day at the Capitol and supports the continuation of incentives such as Georgia’s research and development tax credit. This credit allows companies to offset up to 50% of their Georgia income tax liability and can be carried forward for up to ten years, supporting innovation and investment within the state.

Georgia’s Aerospace Industry: Economic Impact and Global Significance

Georgia’s aerospace and defense sector is a powerhouse, generating $57.5 billion in annual economic impact and consistently ranking as the state’s top export category. The industry’s influence extends across the state, from manufacturing and research to maintenance, pilot training, and logistics. Aerospace products have been Georgia’s leading export for more than a decade, reflecting the sector’s sustained competitiveness in global markets.

The employment impact is significant, with approximately 200,000 Georgians working in aerospace-related roles. According to the Aerospace Industries Association, the average wage for aerospace and defense employees in Georgia is $105,063, well above many other manufacturing sectors. Direct employment stands at over 28,000, with supply chain jobs adding another 38,000-plus positions. In total, the industry pays out more than $6.9 billion in wages annually, underlining its role as a major economic driver.

Georgia’s aerospace ecosystem is diverse, with more than 800 companies operating across a range of specializations. Notable examples include Gulfstream’s luxury jets, Thrush Aircraft’s agricultural planes in Albany, and emerging players like Archer Aviation, which is building an electric air taxi plant in Covington. The sector’s geographic spread, from coastal Savannah to Marietta, Macon, and beyond, provides resilience and flexibility, allowing Georgia to capitalize on opportunities in both established and emerging aerospace markets.

“Georgia ranks as the fifth-largest aerospace exporter in the United States, a position that underscores the state’s national significance in this critical industry sector.”

Georgia’s export infrastructure, anchored by Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport and deepwater ports in Savannah and Brunswick, further enhances the state’s attractiveness for aerospace companies with global ambitions.

Leadership Structure and Organizational Vision

The alliance’s leadership team is a blend of industry, academic, and policy expertise. Executive Director Ember Bishop Bentley brings experience from Middle Georgia State University, where she led initiatives securing over $50 million in aviation education investment. Her background in both education and government, including roles at the Georgia Department of Economic Development, positions her to bridge the gap between industry needs and public policy.

Chairman Jay Neely, a former Gulfstream executive and current chair of the Georgia Department of Economic Development, adds industry credibility and policy influence. Neely’s roles on the Leadership Georgia Board of Trustees and the Georgia Chamber Board of Directors expand the alliance’s reach across the state’s business community. His educational credentials from Vanderbilt University and the University of Georgia provide a strong analytical foundation for navigating complex industry challenges.

Special Advisor T. Rogers Wade, former president and CEO of the Georgia Public Policy Foundation, brings decades of policy development and stakeholder engagement experience. His longstanding advocacy for statewide aerospace initiatives ensures continuity with past efforts and a deep understanding of the industry’s evolution in Georgia.

Together, the leadership team’s collective experience in industry operations, government relations, and education enables GADA to address the multifaceted challenges and opportunities facing Georgia’s aerospace sector.

National Competitive Landscape and Strategic Positioning

Georgia’s aerospace industry operates in a highly competitive national environment. According to the 2022 Aerospace Competitive Economics Study, Georgia ranks sixth among states for aerospace manufacturing and assembly, trailing only Washington, Texas, Ohio, Arizona, and Alabama. The state’s strengths include its labor force, educational resources, and established industry presence, with Georgia Tech’s top-ranked aerospace engineering program serving as a major asset.

However, competition is fierce. Texas, for instance, has rapidly climbed the rankings by implementing aggressive growth strategies, while Alabama and North Carolina also pose significant regional competition. To maintain its edge, Georgia must continue investing in workforce development, infrastructure, and innovation, areas where GADA’s collaborative approach is expected to make a difference.

The aerospace industry’s shift towards integrated ecosystems, where research, manufacturing, and maintenance are closely linked, places a premium on states that can offer comprehensive support across the value chain. Georgia’s diverse cluster of companies, research institutions, and logistics infrastructure positions it well, but sustained coordination and investment are essential for continued success.

“States that can successfully integrate their aerospace industries with leading-edge research institutions and technology development capabilities will gain competitive advantages that become increasingly difficult for competitors to replicate.”

Workforce Development Challenges and Educational Infrastructure

One of the most pressing challenges for Georgia’s aerospace sector is workforce development. The industry faces a dual threat: an aging workforce, with many experienced professionals nearing retirement, and a rapidly evolving skills gap driven by technological advancements such as automation, additive manufacturing, and artificial intelligence.

Georgia’s educational infrastructure provides a strong foundation for meeting these challenges. Middle Georgia State University’s School of Aviation offers FAA-certified programs in flight training, air traffic management, and maintenance technology, with a campus that features advanced simulators and modern aircraft. Georgia Tech’s aerospace engineering program, ranked number one among public universities, supplies a steady pipeline of highly skilled engineers, while the Technical College System of Georgia offers specialized training aligned with industry needs.

Despite these strengths, effective workforce development requires ongoing collaboration between industry and education providers. Successful models in other states, such as North Carolina’s public-private apprenticeship programs, demonstrate the value of coordinated efforts in curriculum development, equipment selection, and student placement. GADA’s formation is expected to facilitate similar partnerships in Georgia, helping to align training programs with the evolving needs of aerospace employers.

Moreover, Georgia’s policy environment supports workforce development through targeted incentives, such as the research and development tax credit. This program provides a 10% credit for qualified in-state research expenses, supporting innovation and encouraging companies to invest in Georgia-based research and development activities. The credit can be used to offset up to 50% of state tax liability, with unused credits carried forward for up to ten years, making it a valuable tool for companies engaged in continuous innovation.

Emerging Technologies and Innovation Ecosystem

Georgia’s aerospace sector is at the forefront of several transformative technological trends. Companies like Hermeus Corporation are pursuing hypersonic flight technologies in Doraville, while Archer Aviation is building a facility for electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft in Covington. These developments position Georgia as a hub for next-generation aviation technologies, from advanced propulsion systems to electric aircraft and beyond.

Collaboration between industry, academia, and government is essential for advancing these technologies. Georgia Tech’s partnerships with the U.S. Space Force and its top-ranked engineering programs provide access to cutting-edge research and emerging talent. The state’s innovation ecosystem, with more than 800 aerospace companies and a robust network of suppliers and service providers, creates opportunities for rapid prototyping, testing, and scaling of new technologies.

Artificial intelligence and digital integration are also reshaping the industry, with applications ranging from supply chain optimization to predictive maintenance. These trends require new skill sets and ongoing professional development, further emphasizing the importance of educational partnerships and workforce training initiatives supported by GADA.

Conclusion

The creation of the Georgia Aerospace & Defense Alliance marks a significant step forward for one of the state’s most important industries. By uniting major industry players, academic institutions, and policymakers, GADA is positioned to address the challenges of workforce development, technological innovation, and global competition. The alliance’s leadership, strategic location, and collaborative approach provide a strong foundation for sustaining and enhancing Georgia’s aerospace leadership in the years ahead.

As the industry continues to evolve, with new technologies and market opportunities on the horizon, Georgia’s aerospace sector stands poised to capitalize on its strengths. The alliance serves as both a recognition of the sector’s achievements and a commitment to its future growth, ensuring that Georgia remains a leader in aerospace and defense on the national and global stage.

FAQ

What is the Georgia Aerospace & Defense Alliance (GADA)?
GADA is a statewide coalition formed by leading aerospace companies to advance Georgia’s aerospace and defense industries through advocacy, workforce development, and collaboration.

Why was Mercer University in Macon chosen as the alliance’s headquarters?
Mercer University offers central geographic access, strong engineering research capabilities, and proximity to Robins Air Force Base, making it an ideal location for coordinating statewide industry efforts.

How significant is Georgia’s aerospace industry economically?
The industry generates over $57.5 billion in annual economic impact, employs around 200,000 Georgians, and is the state’s top export sector.

What are the main challenges facing Georgia’s aerospace sector?
Key challenges include workforce development, technological adaptation, and competition from other states. GADA aims to address these through coordinated industry initiatives.

Which companies are founding members of GADA?
Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation, Lockheed Martin, Rolls-Royce, FlightSafety International, and RTX.

Sources

• Rockdale Newton Citizen
• Georgia Department of Economic Development