The Oklahoma State Capitol was packed today with over 240 aviation students, representatives from 60 aerospace exhibitors and a strong contingent of active-duty military members and veterans who gathered for AERO Day.
Hosted annually, the event highlights Oklahoma’s booming aerospace industry, which stands as the state’s second-largest economic driver.
Senator Paul Rosino, R-Oklahoma City, who served in the Navy for 25 years, led the Senate’s recognition of the industry’s impact in part with Senate Resolution 11, honoring the Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center and its Federal Aviation Administration Academy for their essential role in national aviation security and training.
“Oklahoma’s aerospace and defense industry continues its rapid growth in Oklahoma and secured $146.6 million in new capital investment in 2024 alone, creating 1,007 new jobs” Sen. Rosino said. “These numbers are on top of the more than $44 billion generated annually from the industry across the state. From aircraft maintenance and military aviation to cutting-edge research and development, our state plays a critical role in keeping our country safe and our economy strong.”
According to the Oklahoma Department of Commerce and its Aerospace Commerce Economic Services and data released today, over the past decade, Oklahoma has seen a 125% increase in aerospace exports.
AERO Day saw around 1,300 overall attendees, who had the opportunity to engage with industry leaders, explore career paths and witness firsthand the advancements in aerospace technology in Oklahoma.
