Story ID: 
Georgia has aerospace on its mind
By: AIN Staff
Caption: Sonny Perdue, governor of the U.S.
Word Count: 353
Sonny Perdue, governor of the U.S. state of Georgia, is here leading a 30-member strong delegation of government officials and representatives of aerospace and aviation companies headquartered in his state. Georgia is a first-time Dubai show exhibitor at Stand E636B and Chalet A67. “We intend to showcase the high competency levels of the aviation companies based in Georgia, and introduce decision makers to the state’s advantages as an international investment hub for the aerospace and aviation industries,” said Perdue, who is also pilot and former officer the United States Air Force.Among these advantages are a number of statutory incentives for companies considering locating to or expanding in Georgia. These include the state’s job tax credit, the mega tax credit and the quality jobs tax credit. Qualified companies may be eligible for matching research grants arranged in conjunction with the Georgia Center of Innovation for Aerospace. Georgia, which is home to more than 500 aerospace firms, ranks fourth among U.S. states in aviation exports to the UAE, exporting $82 million to the emirate last year. Boeing, Cessna, Gulfstream, Lockheed Martin, Maule, Northrop Grumman, Pratt & Whitney, Raytheon, Tiger, Thrush and Vought are original equipment manufacturers with major operations in the state. More than 80,000 Georgians are employed in aviation-related jobs.According to state officials, Georgia’s “aerospace employment base is roughly split between U.S. military and civilian employers, which provides stability” and its “aerospace sector has been largely fortunate during the economic downturn.”  Lockheed Martin’s C-130J orders are strong and growing, although its F-22 program was cancelled. Gulfstream Aerospace, manufacturer of business jets, has re-employed almost all of its 1,200 workers whose furloughs were announced in January. Participants in Georgia’s inaugural Dubai Airshow pavilion include L&G Technology Services, a military ground support equipment manufacturer with major presence across the GCC and Jordan; Magnolia Plastics Inc., a provider of high-performance Epoxy systems for the aerospace and defense industry; Polystone Creations Inc., manufacturer of high-end molded countertops for business jets; and Jetaire Aerospace and Technology, an international supplier of avionics, airframes and rotables for Boeing and Airbus aircraft.