FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Aug 25, 2008
Company Cited as Tops in Valuing the Individual Among U.S. A&D Companies
SAN DIEGO – 25 August 2008 – General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA ASI), a leading manufacturer of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and tactical reconnaissance radars, today announced that the company has been ranked as Best-in-Class for “Valuing the Individual” in AVIATION WEEK’s 2008 Workforce Study. The annual study, which represents 79-percent of U.S. aerospace and defense (A&D) workers, takes an industry-wide look at the current state of the A&D workforce, with responses to specific questions resulting in an assessment of how companies are meeting employees’ basic requirements in several key categories.
“In today’s competitive market, GA-ASI has been successful in attracting and retaining highly talented and dynamic professionals whose impressive and continuing innovations have expanded the capabilities and criticality of Predator®-series unmanned aircraft to the security of the U.S. and our allies,” said Thomas J. Cassidy, Jr., president, Aircraft Systems Group, General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. “This industry-wide ranking by AVIATION WEEK reflects an inspired workforce whose contributions are recognized, valued, and have an immediate impact in producing unmanned aircraft that support forces on the front line around the globe. No question – they are ‘best in class’ and most deserving of this distinction.”
GA-ASI tied with four other industry leaders for second-place in the category of Valuing the Individual, which assesses a company’s ability to make individuals feel valued by providing opportunities for them to contribute to the organization’s efforts and by showing them respect within the organization. Factors evaluated included career opportunities, the ability to learn, benefits package, and how many employees chose to stay or leave.
“GA-ASI has consistently been a player in this list – for the technological challenge it offers its employees (2006) and now for valuing the individual,” said Carole Rickard Hedden, project leader of AVIATION WEEK’s 2008 Workforce Survey.
Over the past five years, GA-ASI had been ranked as best in class in multiple survey categories, including Valuing People (2nd place, 2006; 3rd place 2005), Technological Challenge (4th place, 2006; 6th place, 2005; 3rd place, 2004), and Diversity (2nd place, 2005).
About GA-ASI
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc., an affiliate of General Atomics, provides comprehensive unmanned aircraft and radar solutions for military and commercial applications worldwide. The company’s Aircraft Systems Group is a leading designer and manufacturer of proven, reliable unmanned aircraft systems, including Predator A, Predator B, and Sky Warrior®, and provides pilot training and support services for UAS field operations. The Reconnaissance Systems Group designs, manufactures, and integrates the Lynx® SAR/GMTI radar into both manned and unmanned aircraft, as well as the highly sophisticated CLAW® sensor control and image analysis software, and integrates sensor and communications equipment into manned ISR aircraft. For more information, please visit www.ga-asi.com.
Predator, Sky Warrior, Lynx, and CLAW are registered trademarks of General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc.
For more information contact:
Kimberly Kasitz
Public Relations Manager
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc.
+1.858.312.2294
kimberly.kasitz@ga-asi.com