To the Moon!

The PA Chamber’s 2nd Annual Aerospace and Aviation Day at the State Capitol was held last week, as an opportunity to showcase the state’s important role in the aerospace and aviation sectors and discuss the potential for growth.

Co-hosted by the PA Chamber, Lt. Gov. Austin Davis, and the Keystone Space Collaborative, the day was met with much anticipation and brought together industry leaders, policymakers, and innovators for a day of networking, advocacy, and celebration of Pennsylvania’s contributions to these high-tech fields.

The economic impact of aerospace and aviation in Pennsylvania is nothing short of remarkable. The sectors support approximately 43,000 jobs, generate a total economic output of around $19.3 billion, and contribute about $7.3 billion annually to the state’s GDP. Additionally, the industry provides over $1 billion in state and federal taxes each year. This success is driven by the innovative companies operating within the state, many of which sponsored the day’s events. They include:

• Aerium, the Gold Sponsor, which at the forefront of fostering the next generation of aviation and aerospace professionals in Pennsylvania. Through STEM courses in schools, student engagement programs, and various summits and conferences, Aerium is ensuring a steady pipeline of talent for the industry.
• Silver Sponsors included Lockheed Martin Space, which is advancing space technology, GPS, and satellite programs, with significant operations in King of Prussia and Newtown; and Babst Calland, a law firm that is helping to shape the legal and policy framework necessary for the industry’s growth.
• Bronze Sponsors included Greene Tweed – a global leader in manufacturing essential products for the aerospace industry; and AGC, which produces fluoropolymer materials to enhance the quality and durability of aerospace components.

These companies, along with many others, are vital to Pennsylvania’s economic and innovative landscape.

The PA Chamber emphasized the importance of enacting supportive policies to ensure continued growth in aerospace and aviation. The recently released Keystone Initiative, a long-term strategic blueprint for Pennsylvania’s economic future, offers several key priorities that would encourage these industries to choose Pennsylvania as an ideal place to locate and invest, including tax reform, permitting reform, and the development of a statewide energy plan focused on innovation and infrastructure.

The day’s agenda was packed with engaging activities. Interactive exhibits featured aerospace and aviation companies, organizations, and the Spring Grove High School Rocket Scientists, who proudly displayed their rocket. Pennsylvania native and NASA astronaut Warren “Woody” Hoburg captivated an auditorium of elementary school students with his story of manning the SpaceX Crew-6 mission to the International Space Station.

A roundtable discussion in the Governor’s Reception Room saw PA Chamber President and CEO Luke Bernstein, Lt. Gov. Davis, and business leaders explore opportunities to expand the aerospace and aviation sectors in Pennsylvania. The day concluded with a workforce-development-focused luncheon at the PA Chamber’s offices and an evening reception in the Capitol Rotunda.

The 2nd Annual Aerospace and Aviation Day was a testament to Pennsylvania’s commitment to fostering a thriving aerospace and aviation industry, ensuring a bright economic future for the Commonwealth.

You can catch a highlight reel of the day on the PA Chamber’s Instagram page.