On May 4, the PA Chamber joined Lt. Governor Austin Davis and the Keystone Space Collaborative at the State Capitol to host the 3rd Annual Aerospace and Aviation Day – a full-day event that showcased Pennsylvania’s growing leadership in aerospace innovation while highlighting the partnerships and policy priorities needed to sustain that momentum.
The day brought together students, industry leaders, policymakers, educators, and innovators from across the Commonwealth who underscored Pennsylvania’s position as a national and global hub for aerospace and aviation excellence and the opportunity to build on that strength through strategic investment, workforce development, and forward-looking policy.
High school students from across the Commonwealth participated in hands-on exhibits and career-focused sessions, offering a firsthand look at opportunities in the aerospace and aviation sector. Speakers from organizations including Aerium, Horizon Aerobotics, the Civil Air Patrol, and the Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics shared insights on career pathways, emerging technologies, and the skills needed for success in the industry.
Current and former NASA astronauts also engaged with students, emphasizing the importance of continued investment in space exploration and inspiring the next generation of innovators and leaders.
The event also convened a meeting of the bipartisan, bicameral Aerospace Caucus, who reaffirmed their commitment to policies that will strengthen Pennsylvania’s aerospace ecosystem and drive continued growth. They also welcomed the PA Chamber and other industry leaders to testify about the sector’s progress, its workforce needs, and key legislative priorities.
Later, a PA Chamber-led panel, “Aligning Workforce Development with Aerospace and Aviation Needs,” focused on how Pennsylvania can better prepare students and workers for careers in this rapidly evolving field.
The event focused on four key areas in aerospace in aviation where Pennsylvania is leading.
- Workforce Development: From K–12 programs to postsecondary education and workforce training, initiatives like Aerium’s “Drones as Tools” program, the Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics’ NextGen Pathway Grant, and Lockheed Martin’s student fellowship are helping build a strong talent pipeline.
- Research & Innovation: Institutions like the University of Pittsburgh are advancing cutting-edge research, including the Trivedi Institute for Space and Global Biomedicine, which is applying insights from spaceflight to improve health outcomes on Earth.
- Advocacy & Policy: The PA Chamber continues to champion policies that enhance competitiveness – reducing regulatory barriers, strengthening workforce development programs, and advancing tax reform reforms that support innovation and investment.
- Industry Investment: From Horizon Aerobotics opening a remote operations center at the John Murtha Johnstown-Cambria County Airport and creating 250 jobs, to Pittsburgh International Airport’s terminal modernization and additive manufacturing campus, Pennsylvania is seeing significant investment that is shaping the future of the industry.
Among the day’s main takeaways was the importance of continued collaboration to maintain Pennsylvania’s competitive edge; and the message that aligning workforce development, research, and policy priorities will be critical to ensuring the Commonwealth remains at the forefront of the growing aerospace economy.
The PA Chamber extends our appreciation to the companies who lent their support to the day: Aerium, Babst Calland, Greene Tweed, Lockheed Martin, and the Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics.
Images from the day can be found on our Facebook page.