25 LC 112 3128
House Resolution 408
By: Representatives Stephens of the 164
th
, Petrea of the 166
th
, Sainz of the 180
th
, Hatchett of
the 155
th
, Hitchens of the 161
st
, and others
A RESOLUTION
Honoring the work of Georgia's aerospace and defense industry and recognizing February
1
26, 2025, as Georgia Aerospace Day at the state capitol; and for other purposes.2
WHEREAS, the State of Georgia is home to a robust aerospace industry, encompassing more3
than 800 companies, including an estimated 320 aerospace manufacturing firms, more than4
120 MRO facilities, and over 70 airline and charter operations that employ more than5
200,000 Georgians; and6
WHEREAS, aerospace products are Georgia's top export product category and the state's7
second-largest manufacturing industry, generating an estimated annual economic impact of8
$57.5 billion; and9
WHEREAS, aerospace has remained the State of Georgia's No. 1 international export since10
2004, with 2023 aerospace and defense exports totaling $11.1 billion, including civilian11
aircraft and parts, turbojets, turbopropellers, aircraft launching gear, parachutes, and12
non-powered aircraft; and13
WHEREAS, in 2023, Georgia's top five international markets for aerospace industry exports14
were Singapore, Germany, Poland, India, and Hong Kong; and15
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WHEREAS, Georgia's higher education institutions are dedicated to delivering top-tier talent
16
through the aerospace career pipeline; and17
WHEREAS, the Georgia Institute of Technology is home to the No. 1 aerospace engineering18
program in the United States, according to U.S. News and World Report; and19
WHEREAS, Middle Georgia University is home to Georgia's flagship School of Aviation20
and is the only university in Georgia offering three FAA-certified programs; the only public21
university to offer a bachelor's degree in flight, supporting the aviation industry through22
programs in business administration, information technology, cybersecurity, and specialized23
aviation disciplines; was selected as one of only eight aviation universities in the nation as24
the initial cadre for Delta Air Lines' Propel Collegiate Pilot Career Path; offers maintenance25
training ranging from certificates to bachelor's degrees; and is one of 31 schools in the nation26
to offer the FAA-certified Air Traffic Control program; and27
WHEREAS, Mercer Engineering Research Center (MERC), a research institute of Mercer28
University, has been an integral part of the Robins Air Force Base community since 1987;29
and30
WHEREAS, Georgia Southern University's Allen E. Paulson College of Engineering and31
Computing is advancing aerospace innovation through cutting-edge research in sustainable32
fuels, aircraft power systems, and advanced manufacturing while equipping students with the33
skills and expertise needed to support Georgia's aerospace industry; and34
WHEREAS, the flagship and land-grant institution of the State of Georgia, the University35
of Georgia's College of Engineering, is dedicated to supporting the state's thriving and36
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expanding aerospace industry through education, workforce development, and collaborative
37
and innovative research and by providing support to those investing in our great state; and38
WHEREAS, Lockheed Martin has operated continuously in Marietta, Georgia, for 74 years39
and builds two iconic military programs, the C-130J Super Hercules and the F-35 Lightning40
II, in the State of Georgia, supporting direct and indirect jobs for more than 12,00041
Georgians; and42
WHEREAS, as the largest manufacturer in the state, Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation has43
operated continuously at its worldwide headquarters in Savannah, Georgia, since 1967,44
designing, manufacturing, and supporting the world's most technologically advanced45
business aircraft; employing more than 13,000 in Georgia; and supporting a Georgia payroll46
of over $1.4 billion; and47
WHEREAS, Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport is the world's busiest and48
most efficient passenger airport, and Georgia is home to the largest single container terminal49
and most extensive rail and interstate system in the Southeast, providing a seamless air, sea,50
and ground transportation network; and51
WHEREAS, Georgia is proud of its longstanding connection to the United States military52
community, including eight active military bases, the United States Army Cyber Command53
Headquarters, and the VECTR military workforce training center; and54
WHEREAS, seven of the world's top ten defense contractors maintain a presence within the55
State of Georgia, serving as top employers for newly retired veterans; and56
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WHEREAS, Georgia's aerospace and defense industry continues to grow thanks to the state's
57
positive business climate and bipartisan support at the local, state, and federal levels of58
government.59
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that60
the members of this body honor Georgia's aerospace and defense industry and recognize61
February 26, 2025, as Georgia Aerospace Day at the state capitol.62
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of the House of Representatives is authorized63
and directed to make appropriate copies of this resolution available for distribution to64
representatives of the aerospace and defense industry, higher education officials, and other65
representatives as deemed necessary.66
H. R. 408
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