Macon, Georgia, September 8, 2025
News Summary
Georgia has formed the Georgia Aerospace & Defense Alliance (GADA), aimed at enhancing its aerospace and defense sectors. Headquartered at Mercer University in Macon, GADA engages major industry players to foster growth, innovation, and advocacy. With the aerospace industry contributing over $57.5 billion annually to Georgia’s economy and providing employment for around 200,000 people, GADA focuses on collaborative efforts in advocacy, workforce development, and industrial partnerships to ensure continued success and innovation in the aerospace landscape.
Georgia Welcomes the Aerospace & Defense Alliance to Propel Industry Progress
Georgia, known for its rich history and booming industries, is taking a significant step towards enhancing its aerospace and defense sectors. The state recently celebrated the formation of the Georgia Aerospace & Defense Alliance (GADA), a collaborative effort involving major industry players such as Gulfstream Aerospace, Lockheed Martin, Rolls-Royce, FlightSafety International, and Pratt & Whitney. This alliance is set to foster industry growth, innovation, and a cohesive approach to advocacy and development in the aerospace landscape.
GADA will be headquartered at Mercer University in Macon, Georgia, marking an exciting collaboration between education and industry. To lead this initiative, Ember Bishop Bentley has been appointed as the executive director. Bentley brings a wealth of experience from her previous role as chief of staff and vice president for external affairs at Middle Georgia State University. Meanwhile, Jay Neely has been named the initial board chairman, bringing leadership from his role with the state Department of Economic Development.
Economic Impact of Aerospace & Defense in Georgia
The aerospace sector is a vital part of Georgia’s economy, standing as the state’s second largest industry with an impressive contribution of over $57.5 billion annually. It’s not just about numbers, as this sector provides employment for around 200,000 people, greatly impacting local communities.
In a world where competitiveness and innovation are crucial, GADA aims to champion these values. The alliance is poised to focus on coordinated advocacy, workforce development, and industrial collaboration, which are essential for sustaining Georgia’s aerospace and defense industries. This initiative couldn’t come at a better time, as the state has witnessed a remarkable 340% increase in the Department of Defense’s budget requests for missiles and munitions in the last decade.
New Developments in the Industry
There’s more good news on the horizon. A Czech engineering company, PBS Aerospace, has recently established its headquarters in Georgia and opened up a new facility dedicated to manufacturing propulsion systems for drones and advanced munitions. This facility is expected to produce several thousand small turbojet engines annually, starting in 2026, further solidifying Georgia’s role in the aerospace supply chain.
Moreover, contracts have been awarded to companies like BAE Systems Space & Mission Systems for advanced communication technologies, Portus Stevedoring LLC for terminal services, and EnergySolutions Services Inc. for nuclear services. These developments underscore the state’s commitment to enhancing its aerospace capabilities.
Supporting Future Growth
The Metro Atlanta Chamber is joining the initiative, launching a specialized program to provide support for aerospace and defense companies, addressing the unique challenges faced by industry leaders and startups. Their approach focuses on five key areas: education, manufacturing, maintenance, operations, and hosting industry events, creating a comprehensive strategy to attract investment.
Education plays a pivotal role in this growth strategy. With Georgia Tech producing a significant number of aerospace Ph.D. graduates, Georgia is well-positioned to attract and retain top talent in the industry. The relationship between education and workforce needs is crucial for meeting the demands of this ever-evolving sector.
Job Creation and Future Prospects
Since 2021, there have been seven aerospace-related relocations or expansions in metro Atlanta, creating over 1,160 jobs. PBS Aerospace’s recent move to establish its North American headquarters in Roswell adds to this positive trend, enhancing Atlanta’s appeal to defense contractors while benefiting from substantial increases in defense budgets.
With all these exciting developments taking shape, the future of Georgia’s aerospace and defense industries looks bright. The formation of GADA promises to create a thriving environment for innovation and collaboration, ensuring Georgia remains a key player in the global aerospace landscape.
FAQs
What is the Georgia Aerospace & Defense Alliance (GADA)?
GADA is a collaborative initiative involving major aerospace and defense companies aimed at enhancing Georgia’s aerospace and defense sectors through advocacy, workforce development, and industrial collaboration.
Where is GADA headquartered?
GADA is based at Mercer University in Macon, Georgia.
How much does the aerospace industry contribute to Georgia’s economy?
The aerospace industry contributes over $57.5 billion annually to Georgia’s economy.
What role does education play in the aerospace sector in Georgia?
Education is crucial for addressing workforce needs in the aerospace sector, and institutions like Georgia Tech produce a significant number of aerospace Ph.D. graduates that help fill these roles.
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Additional Resources
- Grice Connect: Georgia Aerospace Firms Launch Alliance
- Wikipedia: Aerospace Industry
- Defense Daily: PBS Aerospace Opens Facility in Georgia
- Google Search: Georgia Aerospace Defense Alliance
- AJC: Georgia Leaders See Aerospace Potential
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Aerospace
- Times Free Press: Aerospace in Georgia
- Google News: Georgia Aerospace
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.
