HARRISBURG, PA — Lieutenant Governor Austin Davis joined state lawmakers and industry leaders at the Capitol on Tuesday to launch the new Aerospace Caucus, highlighting Pennsylvania’s effort to advance its aerospace and aviation industry. The announcement coincided with the second annual Aerospace Day, an event aimed at celebrating the sector’s contributions to the economy and inspiring the next generation of space and aviation professionals.
“This year’s Aerospace Day demonstrated the strong bipartisan support for the industry, which creates jobs and economic activity across the Commonwealth,” said Lt. Gov. Davis, who chairs Pennsylvania’s chapter of the Aerospace States Association. “I look forward to working with the members of the new Aerospace Caucus to continue advocating for these vital businesses and workers.”
The caucus, co-chaired by Senators Marty Flynn and Tracy Pennycuick and Representatives Zach Mako and Joe Webster, aims to support companies like Boeing and Lockheed Martin, which play a significant role in Pennsylvania’s economy. Sen. Pennycuick highlighted the state’s diverse manufacturing landscape, saying, “Greater Philadelphia has truly become an advanced manufacturing hub, employing 190,000 workers. We must do all we can to ensure these companies and their suppliers thrive here.”
Adding an educational element to the celebration, astronaut and Pennsylvania native Warren “Woody” Hoburg visited students at Harrisburg School District’s Ben Franklin Elementary School. The Moonshot Museum also transformed the school into a space-themed learning lab, offering activities like robotics challenges and digital simulations.
“With NASA’s support and partnerships like the one we have with the Moonshot Museum, we’re inspiring students to see themselves as part of the space industry,” said Dr. Jimyse L. Brown, Moonshot Museum’s executive director.
The aerospace and aviation industries already support 1,800 jobs and contribute $409 million to the state’s economy, but stakeholders believe this is just the beginning. Luke Bernstein, president of the Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry, emphasized the industry’s potential, stating, “The work being done here is putting our Commonwealth on the map, creating high-wage jobs and driving innovation.”
With a combination of industry support and educational initiatives, Pennsylvania is taking bold steps to secure its place as a leader in aerospace and aviation innovation.
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