Macon, August 25, 2025
News Summary
Major aerospace companies in Georgia have united to form the Georgia Aerospace & Defense Alliance, aimed at advocating for the industry and promoting state tax credits for research and development. Based at Mercer University, this initiative seeks to bolster the state’s aerospace sector, which is critical to Georgia’s economy. With a focus on fostering talent development, advocating at state events, and ensuring robust support for local educational programs, the alliance is set to strengthen Georgia’s position in the aerospace industry, promoting innovation and job growth.
Macon Welcomes the Georgia Aerospace & Defense Alliance
Macon is buzzing with excitement as major aerospace companies join forces to create the Georgia Aerospace & Defense Alliance. This initiative is set to advocate for the aerospace industry and push for state tax credits that support research and development. Major players like Gulfstream Aerospace Corp., Lockheed Martin, FlightSafety International, Rolls-Royce, and RTX, the parent company of Pratt & Whitney, are all on board. With their collaboration, the alliance aims to streamline efforts and help boost Georgia’s growing aerospace sector.
So what does this really mean for Georgia? First and foremost, the alliance will be based at Mercer University, a perfect hub that houses an engineering research center dedicated to supporting Robins Air Force Base. This location not only emphasizes the state’s commitment to aerospace innovation but also enhances the educational landscape.
Leading the charge as executive director is Ember Bishop Bentley, a former vice president at Middle Georgia State University. Her wealth of experience in the realm of education and international affairs for the Georgia Department of Economic Development adds a valuable perspective to the organization’s mission. Meanwhile, Jay Neely, who has a rich background with Gulfstream and is currently the chair of the Georgia Department of Economic Development, will take the helm as chair of the alliance.
Fostering Growth and Development
The main aim of the Georgia Aerospace & Defense Alliance is to strengthen support for Georgia’s tax credit system for research and development. This will help offset companies’ income tax liabilities, making it more inviting for businesses to invest in aerospace innovations right here in Georgia. The group will also become the voice of the aerospace industry at important state events, such as the Aerospace Day at the Capitol, ensuring that the industry’s interests are represented.
Talent development is another big focus for the alliance. To keep Georgia graduates in the state, the group aims to enhance STEM programs and technical training in colleges and universities across Georgia. Institutions like Georgia Tech, the University of Georgia, and Kennesaw State University are already offering key aviation education programs that will feed into the local aerospace job market.
Georgia is in friendly competition with other states such as Alabama, Michigan, and Mississippi, all vying for a bigger slice of the aerospace pie. Despite this rivalry, Georgia shines with its established aerospace sector, currently the second-largest industry in the state, just behind agriculture, and the leading sector for exports.
Local Impact and Future Developments
Approximately 200,000 Georgians are employed in aerospace-related jobs, contributing to the thriving economy. The industry is incredibly diverse, including companies like Thrush Aircraft, Archer Aviation, Maule Air, and Hermeus. Recently, aircraft such as Gulfstream jets, Lockheed Martin’s C-130J Super Hercules, and Archer Aviation’s Midnight electric aircraft were highlighted as finalists for the “coolest thing made in Georgia”, with the C-130J taking home the top prize.
Exciting developments are on the horizon as well, such as PBS Aerospace investing up to $20 million to establish its North American headquarters in Roswell, Georgia, which will create at least 95 new jobs. Such investments emphasize the availability of an excellent infrastructure, skilled workforce, and quality education system that Georgia offers to aerospace companies.
The aerospace and defense sector is also experiencing rapid growth, driven by a staggering 340% increase in Department of Defense budget allocations for missiles and munitions over the past decade. The Metro Atlanta Chamber is taking the initiative further by launching programs aimed at attracting more aerospace and defense companies to the area, while focusing on education and customized support for the challenges faced by industries.
Job Growth and Developments
Since 2021, the metro Atlanta area has seen seven aerospace-related relocations or expansions, adding over 1,160 jobs to the local economy. With the creation of the Georgia Aerospace & Defense Alliance, Georgia is not only reinforcing its position as a leader in the aerospace sector, but it is also laying down the groundwork for sustained growth and innovation in the future.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Georgia Aerospace & Defense Alliance?
The Georgia Aerospace & Defense Alliance is a collaborative group formed by major aerospace companies in Georgia to advocate for the industry and support research and development tax credits.
Who are the founding members of the alliance?
Founding members include Gulfstream Aerospace Corp., Lockheed Martin, FlightSafety International, Rolls-Royce, and RTX.
Where will the alliance be based?
The alliance will be based at Mercer University in Macon, which has facilities that support engineering and aerospace research.
What are the goals of the alliance?
The goals include advocating for tax credits, representing the aerospace industry at state events, and fostering talent development through educational programs.
How many people in Georgia are employed in aerospace-related jobs?
Approximately 200,000 individuals work in aerospace-related jobs across the state.
What recent developments are happening in the Georgia aerospace sector?
PBS Aerospace plans to invest up to $20 million in Roswell, creating at least 95 new jobs, and other aerospace companies are expanding in the metro Atlanta area, adding more jobs to the local economy.
Key Features of the Georgia Aerospace & Defense Alliance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Founding Members | Gulfstream Aerospace Corp., Lockheed Martin, FlightSafety International, Rolls-Royce, RTX |
| Base Location | Mercer University, Macon, GA |
| Executive Director | Ember Bishop Bentley |
| Chair | Jay Neely |
| Job Growth | Over 1,160 jobs added since 2021 |
| Investment | PBS Aerospace: up to $20 million for new headquarters in Roswell |
| Aerospace Sector Growth | Second-largest industry in Georgia, employing ~200,000 people |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- AJC: Aerospace is a Top Georgia Industry
- Wikipedia: Aerospace Industry
- Aerospace Manufacturing: PBS Aerospace Establishes HQ
- Google Search: Georgia Aerospace investment
- Military Aerospace: Georgia Tech and Altair Partnership
- Google Scholar: Aerospace Industry Georgia
- Business Facilities: PBS Aerospace Investment
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Aerospace and Defense
- Hanwha: Collaboration on Unmanned Aircraft Systems
- Google News: Aerospace News
Author: STAFF HERE ATLANTA WRITER
The ATLANTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAtlanta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Atlanta, Fulton 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 vibrant music festivals like Shaky Knees and Music Midtown, major cultural celebrations including Dragon Con and the Atlanta Film Festival, and iconic sporting events like the Peachtree Road Race. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce and the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, beverages, and retail that power the local economy such as Delta Air Lines, The Coca-Cola Company, and The Home Depot. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAugusta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
