In Georgia, the future of aerospace is already taking off. From cutting-edge startups to global defense contractors, the state’s aviation and aerospace ecosystem is growing faster and flying higher than ever before.

A recent Site Selection feature, “An Open Door to the Skies,” highlights how Georgia’s unmatched combination of talent, infrastructure, and industry partnerships is driving growth and innovation at every altitude.

An industry built to lead

Georgia has been a national aerospace leader for decades. Aircraft and aircraft parts have remained the state’s number one export for over 10 years, and that foundation is now fueling a new era of innovation.

Companies like Hermeus Corporation and Archer Aviation Inc. are pioneering next-generation technologies including hypersonic propulsion and electric vertical takeoff and landing vehicles. These companies are drawn to Georgia not just for its manufacturing strength but for a broader support system that includes access to specialized research.

At the center of this ecosystem is the Georgia Center of Innovation’s Aerospace team. These industry experts help connect aerospace companies with everything from FAA regulatory guidance to research partnerships and supply chain solutions

Workforce that keeps up with innovation

Georgia’s ability to train and develop skilled talent is one of its greatest competitive advantages. Aerospace companies benefit from a steady pipeline of talent graduating from the University System of Georgia, as well as skilled Georgians with hands-on trades training from the Technical System of Georgia.

Georgia Quick Start, the top ranked workforce training program in the country, also partners directly with aerospace employers to customize programs that deliver highly skilled workers, fast.

Built for speed and scale

Georgia’s logistics network is second to none. With the world’s busiest airport in Atlanta, deepwater ports in Savannah and Brunswick, and an established network of regional airports and MRO (maintenance, repair, and overhaul) operations, aerospace companies can scale efficiently while reaching customers across the globe.

A strong military presence across the state also enhances workforce capabilities and fuels a culture of innovation and discipline that benefits the entire industry. With more than 600,000 veterans living in the state, Georgia recognizes that veterans’ experience and knowledge are an asset when they begin a second career, and is ready with resources to retrain and place them in high-paying jobs in sectors like aerospace.

“Georgia is a premier destination for aerospace,” Director of the Center of Innovation for Aerospace Steve Shaffer told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. “We have the companies, the infrastructure, and the workforce to support the industry’s future. 

Read the full article, “An Open Door to the Skies,” in Site Selection to learn about how Middle Georgia State University’s School of Aviation is supporting the state’s aerospace workforce.