Rep. Nicole Miller, R-Edmond, was joined by industry leaders, business owners and policymakers for a town hall event discussing the future of aerospace, aviation and defense in the House chamber. Over 1,200 Oklahomans visited the State Capitol on Wednesday, April 2 for AERO Day.
The 2025 AERO Oklahoma Aerospace Town Hall, moderated by Miller, focused on key industry trends including space commercialization, Advanced Air Mobility technologies and Oklahoma’s role in the evolving aerospace landscape. Attendees traveled from across Oklahoma and as far as Washington, D.C., Texas, Kansas, Arkansas, Tennessee, Virginia and Utah to take part in the conversation.
“It was an honor to welcome industry professionals to the Capitol to discuss the future of aerospace in Oklahoma,” Miller said. “These conversations help state leaders understand where we can support innovation, workforce growth and economic development.
Miller serves as the chair of the House Appropriations & Budget Subcommittee on Transportation, which oversees state funding for the Oklahoma Department of Aerospace & Aeronautics and the Oklahoma Space Industry Development Authority.
The town hall also explored the business aviation sector’s efforts to enhance safety in the national air transportation system and Oklahoma’s preparation for vertical takeoff and landing aircraft.
A major focus of the discussion was the state’s leadership in maintenance, repair and overhaul, or MRO, operations. Representatives from AAR Corporation at Will Rogers World Airport shared their vision for advancing innovation and sustainability in the engine MRO sector and discussed how policymakers can support industry growth.
Industry experts speaking on the panel included Mark Miner from American Airlines; Gabe Sherman from The Artemis Group; Greg Brown from Vertical Aviation International; Steve Hadley from the National Business Aviation Association; Keith Rash from Consolidated Turbine Specialists/Kratos; Mandy Trainer from The Boeing Company; Stan Mayer from AAR Corporation; and Grayson Ardies from the Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics.
In addition to the panel discussion, dozens of industry representatives set up booths throughout the Capitol, giving attendees the opportunity to network and learn more about aerospace initiatives and advancements.
Over the past decade, Oklahoma has experienced a 125% increase in aerospace exports. The Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics plans to host the event again next year to ensure aerospace and defense remain key priorities in the 2026 legislative session.
