SSU Alumnus Named to the Georgia Aviation Hall of Fame

Savannah State University’s (SSU) 1980 alumnus Michael Williams was inducted into the Georgia Aviation Hall of Fame at the Museum of Aviation at the Robins Air Force Base in Warner Robins, Georgia. The event, held on May 17, also included the induction of Charles Dolson, Douglas G. Matthews, and Sonny Perdue, former Governor of Georgia, immediate past Secretary of Agriculture, and now Chancellor of the University System of Georgia.

Williams, an aerospace engineer, aviation industry inventor, award recipient, U.S. patent holder, and a Macon, Georgia native, is the founder and CEO of Jetaire Group, an Atlanta-based avionics and aircraft engineering firm established in 1984. Jetaire specializes in fuel tank safety and ignition mitigation, serving customers in 51 countries. In 2020, the company was the recipient of Georgia’s 7th annual GLOBE Awards, which recognize local businesses that contribute to the state’s economic growth through international trade.

Williams’ career was inspired by a trio of airline tragedies that put him on a path to revolutionize aircraft fuel safety by developing protection enhancements that were installed on most Delta Airlines fleets and in approximately 40 other airlines worldwide. He developed the first and only patented after-market-based fuel ignition mitigation system, INVICTA™. Today, INVICTA™ is certified on most Boeing and Airbus aircraft.

“It is a profound honor to see one of our own, Mr. Michael Williams, recognized at the highest levels of his field,” said SSU President Dr. Jermaine Whirl. “His induction into the Georgia Aviation Hall of Fame is not only a testament to his groundbreaking work in aviation and aerospace, but also a reflection of the caliber of excellence we strive to cultivate at Savannah State. On behalf of the entire SSU community, I extend our heartfelt congratulations to Mr. Williams on this remarkable achievement.”

In his acceptance speech at the Museum of Aviation at the Robins Air Force Base, Williams spoke about his experience at Savannah State.

“I am especially proud to recognize my alma mater, Savannah State University,” he said. “I would not be here without the education, the community, and the values I gained there. Savannah State helped me silence the voices that said I wasn’t ‘college material.’ It laid the foundation for everything I’ve built since.”

After graduating from SSU, Williams completed the Advanced Management Education Program at Kellogg Graduate School. In May 2024, he served as Co-chair of Savannah State University’s 25th Anniversary Scholarship Gala and he delivered the keynote address during the fall 2025 commencement ceremony.