The New Aerospace Economy: Why Arizona Is Taking Off - EP66

The New Aerospace Economy: Why Arizona Is Taking Off   Guests: Jonathan Roll - Program Manager, Biz Dev, & Research Analyst ASU NewSpace (also on Arizona Aerospace Summit planning committee) https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathanproll/ https://newspace.asu.edu/  Toni Drummond - Founder & Managing Director, Future Flight Global; Partner Prestige Air Group (also on Arizona Aerospace Summit planning committee) https://www.linkedin.com/in/toni-drummond-baa1987/ https://prestigeairgroup.com/ https://ffg.aero/  Dan Geraci - President & CEO - CIT - Critical Infrastructure Technologies; Chairman of the Board of Directors The Planetary Society (also the 2026 AAS master of ceremonies) https://www.linkedin.com/in/dan-geraci/ Abstract:   Arizona is rapidly emerging as a national leader in aerospace, aviation, space technologies, advanced air mobility, defense innovation and advanced manufacturing. With major investments, growing public-private partnerships, a strong military presence, world-class research institutions and a thriving innovation ecosystem, the state is becoming a destination for companies shaping the future of mobility, national security and space exploration. In this episode of AZ TechCast, host Steven Zylstra sits down with three leaders deeply involved in Arizona’s aerospace ecosystem and the planning of the inaugural Arizona Aerospace Summit. Together, they explore why Arizona is uniquely positioned for growth, the convergence of aviation, space and defense industries, emerging technologies transforming the sector, workforce and supply chain challenges, and the opportunities ahead for companies, entrepreneurs and investors. The conversation will also provide listeners with an inside look at the Arizona Aerospace Summit, including its integrated three-track format, Flightline, Orbitline and Frontline, and why bringing these sectors together creates new opportunities for collaboration, innovation and economic growth. To listen to this episode, follow AZ TechCast on your favorite podcast platform or check out the Council’s YouTube channel and turn on your notifications so you’ll be notified when the episode is posted. You can view a video version of this and all of our episodes on our YouTube Channel   https://www.youtube.com/@aztechcouncil    Learn more about the Arizona Technology Council and our upcoming events at:   https://www.aztechcouncil.org     Learn more about our sponsors, PADT, at:   https://www.padtinc.com