SR 254: Georgia Aerospace Day; recognize February 26, 2025

Senate Resolution 254

By: Senators Kennedy of the 18th, Hodges of the 3rd, Burns of the 23rd, Ginn of the 47th, Anavitarte of the 31st and others

A RESOLUTION

Honoring the work of Georgia's aerospace and defense industry and recognizing February 26, 2025, as Georgia Aerospace Day at the state capitol; and for other purposes.

WHEREAS, the State of Georgia is home to a robust aerospace industry, encompassing more than 800 companies, including an estimated 320 aerospace manufacturing firms, more than 120 MRO facilities, and over 70 airline and charter operations that employ more than 200,000 Georgians; and

WHEREAS, aerospace products are Georgia's top export product category and the state's second-largest manufacturing industry, generating an estimated annual economic impact of $57.5 billion; and

WHEREAS, aerospace has remained the State of Georgia's No. 1 international export since 2004, with 2023 aerospace and defense exports totaling $11.1 billion, including civilian aircraft and parts, turbojets, turbopropellers, aircraft launching gear, parachutes, and non-powered aircraft; and

WHEREAS, in 2023, Georgia's top five international markets for aerospace industry exports were Singapore, Germany, Poland, India, and Hong Kong; and

WHEREAS, Georgia's higher education institutions are dedicated to delivering top-tier talent through the aerospace career pipeline; and

WHEREAS, the Georgia Institute of Technology is home to the No. 1 aerospace engineering program in the United States, according to U.S. News and World Report; and

WHEREAS, Middle Georgia University is home to Georgia's flagship School of Aviation and is the only university in Georgia offering three FAA-certified programs; the only public university to offer a bachelor's degree in flight, supporting the aviation industry through programs in business administration, information technology, cybersecurity, and specialized aviation disciplines; was selected as one of only eight aviation universities in the nation as the initial cadre for Delta Air Lines' Propel Collegiate Pilot Career Path; offers maintenance training ranging from certificates to bachelor's degrees; and is one of 31 schools in the nation to offer the FAA-certified Air Traffic Control program; and

WHEREAS, Mercer Engineering Research Center (MERC), a research institute of Mercer University, has been an integral part of the Robins Air Force Base community since 1987; and

WHEREAS, Georgia Southern University's Allen E. Paulson College of Engineering and Computing is advancing aerospace innovation through cutting-edge research in sustainable fuels, aircraft power systems, and advanced manufacturing while equipping students with the skills and expertise needed to support Georgia's aerospace industry; and

WHEREAS, the flagship and land-grant institution of the State of Georgia, the University of Georgia's College of Engineering, is dedicated to supporting the state's thriving and expanding aerospace industry through education, workforce development, and collaborative and innovative research and by providing support to those investing in our great state; and

WHEREAS, Lockheed Martin has operated continuously in Marietta, Georgia, for 74 years and builds two iconic military programs, the C-130J Super Hercules and the F-35 Lightning II, in the State of Georgia, supporting direct and indirect jobs for more than 12,000 Georgians; and

WHEREAS, as the largest manufacturer in the state, Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation has operated continuously at its worldwide headquarters in Savannah, Georgia, since 1967, designing, manufacturing, and supporting the world's most technologically advanced business aircraft; employing more than 13,000 in Georgia; and supporting a Georgia payroll of over $1.4 billion; and

WHEREAS, Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport is the world's busiest and most efficient passenger airport, and Georgia is home to the largest single container terminal and most extensive rail and interstate system in the Southeast, providing a seamless air, sea, and ground transportation network; and

WHEREAS, Georgia is proud of its longstanding connection to the United States military community, including eight active military bases, the United States Army Cyber Command Headquarters, and the VECTR military workforce training center; and

WHEREAS, seven of the world's top ten defense contractors maintain a presence within the State of Georgia, serving as top employers for newly retired veterans; and

WHEREAS, Georgia's aerospace and defense industry continues to grow thanks to the state's positive business climate and bipartisan support at the local, state, and federal levels of government.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE that the members of this body honor Georgia's aerospace and defense industry and recognize February 26, 2025, as Georgia Aerospace Day at the state capitol.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Secretary of the Senate is authorized and directed to make appropriate copies of this resolution available for distribution to representatives of the aerospace and defense industry, higher education officials, and other representatives as deemed necessary.