SC Aerospace, an initiative of the SC Council on Competitiveness (SC Competes), supports the entire aerospace and aviation industry in South Carolina, with our various open-source studies and research, webinars and conferences, and educational initiatives reaching a far-flung ecosystem that is shaping our future workforce.
In one of our recent studies, we pushed out the nearly $40 billion economic impact (direct & indirect) of aerospace in South Carolina, with more than 500 aerospace companies sited across South Carolina. The state’s aerospace-related assets include original equipment manufacturers (both commercial and defense), Tiers 1-4 suppliers, maintenance, manufacturing support, and aviation-based companies. South Carolina employees benefit from the aerospace cluster through jobs that enjoy a 40% wage premium over the average job in the state.
Our SC Aerospace Partners have access to conversations with industry leaders and researchers who are intricately involved in decision-making, as well as educational leaders that are guiding the curriculums our future workforce will bring to our future industries. Additionally, aerospace partners are invited to closed-door events & meetings that help guide the SC Aerospace cluster, in addition to accompanying SC Aerospace and statewide officials as part of mission trips across the globe.
South Carolina’s aerospace cluster has grown into a more diversified aerospace ecosystem, driven by an accelerating expansion of manufacturing suppliers since 2015 and an increase in air transportation services fueled by exploding population growth.
Each year, SC Competes hosts its annual SC Aerospace Night with the Greenville Drive. The evening spotlights the people, companies, and partners fueling South Carolina’s fast-growing aerospace sector, on the field, on the concourse, and in the stands. It is exciting to see employers and area colleges make meaningful connections and offer opportunities to students interested in aerospace careers. The event welcomes aerospace companies, suppliers, OEMs, MROs, educators, students, policy leaders, community partners, and baseball fans of all kinds!
“We unite South Carolina’s diverse commercial and defense aerospace ecosystem, from original manufacturer to supplier, to advance shared progress and position the state for long-term global competitiveness.”
– Stephen Astemborski, Director of Engagement & Aerospace Initiatives, SC Competes –
