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With the announcement of its new Bachelor of Science in Aviation and Business Management (set to launch in fall 2026), Winthrop University proved to be an ideal host for the SC Competes ‘26 Spring Summit. The event brought together aerospace and aviation leaders from across the region, fostering valuable connections not only among industry partners but also with students eager to enter the field. PSA Airlines, Ranger Aerospace, and several other SC based aerospace firms participated in the Student/Mentor Ask-Me-Anything session, highlighting the collaborative strength of the SC Aerospace cluster beyond state lines. Industry engagement continued at the B2B matchmaking event, where Stevens Aerospace and Defense, Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport, and Rock Hill-York County Airport joined as participating buyers. The event, in partnership with the SC Department of Commerce, paired buyers with with SC-based suppliers from logistics, technology, and aerospace companies. Looking ahead, the future of aviation education in South Carolina is especially promising: Rock Hill-York County Airport is set to host flight training for Winthrop students once the new program begins, further strengthening the connection between education and industry. |
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At the SC Competes ‘26 Spring Summit earlier this month, our team officially launched the new SC Defense cluster, an initiative that brings together the strengths of our SC Logistics, SC Tech, and SC Aerospace clusters. The launch took place during the luncheon panel, “Growth in Defense,” where leaders from aerospace defense suppliers, TL+CO and Maher Advanced Manufacturing, joined the former Chairman of the SC Military Base Task Force to discuss the opportunities and challenges facing companies working in the rapidly-evolving defense sector.
This effort reflects a growing reality: the industries that support national security, from advanced manufacturing and aviation to technology and logistics, are deeply interconnected. With a renewed emphasis on defense work across the aerospace sector in recent years, the timing for this launch could not be better. When discussing aerospace defense in South Carolina, Lockheed Martin often comes to mind, as Greenville serves as the Global Home of the F-16. However, the state’s aerospace and defense ecosystem extends far beyond OEMs. Companies such as Maher Advanced Manufacturing, Composite Resources, TL + CO, and Toray are already responding to increasing demand for defense-related work, preparing their facilities to scale production for products like drones, munitions, and advanced aircraft components that rely on strong, lightweight composite materials. While “aerospace” and “defense” are frequently mentioned together, the defense industry reaches well beyond the skies. The SC Defense cluster expands our focus to include the full spectrum of defense manufacturers and contractors, from those supporting fighter squadrons at MCAS Beaufort to companies developing innovative survivability solutions for ground vehicles used by soldiers in the field. South Carolina is uniquely positioned to support every domain of the modern battlespace, including land, air, sea, and cyberspace, while also advancing next-generation capabilities in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and advanced air mobility.
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SC Competes CEO Susie Shannon presented at the AIAA Carolina Aerospace Symposium in Charlotte, NC this February, an event showcasing the accomplishments and advancements of aerospace engineering across North and South Carolina. The symposium brought together professionals, educators, students, and retirees with a shared interest in the future of aerospace.
During her presentation, Susie highlighted South Carolina’s growing SC Aerospace cluster, its economic impact across the state, and the role SC Competes plays in strengthening key industries. She connected with leaders from across the aerospace ecosystem, including SC Aerospace partners Boeing and USC, as well as NC-based suppliers and state agency leadership, underscoring the importance of regional collaboration.
Her key takeaway: the future of aerospace is already here. As the industry continues to evolve beyond its traditional boundaries, it is opening the door to new technologies, new talent, and new possibilities that will shape the next era of innovation.
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SC Aerospace will return to Europe July 20-24 for the Farnborough International Airshow, one of the industry’s premier global events, as part of #TeamSC led by the SC Department of Commerce. Each year, this trip provides an opportunity to highlight South Carolina’s growing impact on the aerospace sector and strengthen connections with partners from around the world. During the airshow, our team will meet with companies exploring new manufacturing investments in South Carolina, promote existing companies seeking to expand their customer base, and engage with national and international leadership from some of the state’s largest aerospace employers. We look forward to connecting with many of our partners in Farnborough. If you plan to attend, please reach out to Stephen Astemborski at sastemborski@sccompetes.org to coordinate a time to meet.
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Ahead of our team’s trip to Europe, SC Competes will host the 6th Annual SC Aerospace Night with the Greenville Drive, an exciting opportunity to showcase South Carolina’s aerospace industry to the broader community. The evening will feature a reception with aerospace and community leaders, in-game programming, and concourse displays from companies and educational institutions, offering fans a closer look at the innovation happening across the state. Sponsorship opportunities are available and include game tickets, in-game recognition, and the chance to support student attendance at no cost. If you are interested in becoming a sponsor or participating with a concourse display, please contact Stephen Astemborski at sastemborski@sccompetes.org. Additional details, including registration information, will be shared soon. |
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| | | | | | Hamilton Owens Airport Student
Signing Day |
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On April 23, Hamilton Owens will host a historic Student Signing Day, an exciting milestone event celebrating high school students as they take their first official step into the aerospace industry. Backed by an impressive coalition of industry and academic leaders, including American Airlines, Lockheed Martin, and Charleston Southern University, the state’s only four-year aviation program, this event highlights the growing pipeline of talent shaping South Carolina’s aerospace future.
Those interested in participating are encouraged to contact Stephen Astemborski at sastemborski@sccompetes.org.
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| | | We Want to Hear from You!
We love celebrating the incredible work happening across our network. If you or your organization has recently earned an award, reached a milestone, completed volunteer work, made a community impact, or achieved something connected to SC Competes, or SC Aerospace, we’d love to feature it.
Send a short description, photos (if available), and any relevant links to Jamie Metz at jmetz@sccompetes.org.
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