Today, the Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI) unveiled new economic data, which finds that the unmanned aircraft industry is poised to  create from more than 1,949 new jobs in the first three years following the integration of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) into U.S. national airspace system (NAS). Integration is scheduled to take place in 2015. Beyond the first three years, the study projects that more than 2,880 new jobs will be created in Georgia by 2025.

"This is an incredibly exciting time for an industry developing technology that will benefit society, as well as the economy," saidMichael Toscano , president & CEO of AUVSI.  "In recent years, unmanned aircraft technology has grown remarkably and is already proving useful in a range of domestic applications. Integrating UAS into the national airspace will lead to new and expanded uses, which means the creation of quality, high-paying jobs in Georgia."

Specifically, the study finds:

• Based on the current UAS activity in Georgia, the state is projected to create 1,949 new jobs in the first three years – from 2015 to 2017 – following the integration of UAS into the U.S. NAS. This number includes both direct and indirect manufacturing jobs.
• In the first three years following integration, the total economic impact to Georgia is projected to surpass $379 million and will grow sustainably for the foreseeable future, cumulating in more than $2.27 billion in economic impact by 2025. Economic impact includes the monies that flow to manufacturers and suppliers from the sale of new products as well as the taxes and monies that flow into communities and support the local businesses.
• The study projects integration will lead to 103,776 new jobs nationally by 2025. Many of these jobs are portable and will gravitate toward states with favorable regulatory structures and infrastructure. Future events – such as the establishment of FAA Test Sites – will ultimately determine where many of these new jobs will flow.
• Additional economic benefit will be seen through tax revenue to Georgia, which will total more than $22.34 million in the first decade following the integration.

The complete study, including state-by-state breakdowns of economic impact projections, is available at http://www.auvsi.org/econreport.