Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics October Commission Meeting Brings Project Updates, Commitment to Future Aerospace Events

OKLAHOMA CITY – The October 2025 commission meeting for the Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics (ODAA) saw updates to timelines for airport construction projects, plans for Oklahoma’s approaching aerospace events and a preview of the 2026 legislative session.

Of note are several pro-growth aviation projects at state airports intended to enhance facilities, boost economic growth and ensure the safety and efficiency of Oklahoma air travel. 

Enid Woodring Regional Airport will begin construction on eight 2,500-square-foot conjoined box hangars in 2026. They will replace dilapidated hangars that are currently located in the Taxilane Object Free Area (TOFA) and need to be removed to ensure the safety of aircraft movements. The total project cost is expected to be a little more than $2 million and will be funded with about $847,000 from ODAA and $1.27 million from the local airport sponsor. Enid’s hangar construction is part of an ODAA-led effort to increase revenue-generating storage space at airports and increase aviation business growth opportunities. The Statewide Hangar Grant Program, created in 2022, was designed to address an ongoing shortage of hangar space around the state.

In 2026, Okmulgee Regional Airport will be installing new LED runway lighting, signage, and PAPIs. The project aims to ensure the airport has 24/7 functionality to increase situational awareness for pilots during inclement weather. The total cost for the project is about $510,500. The ODAA will provide about $485,000 while the local airport sponsor will provide about $25,500.

Runway 17/35 at Sallisaw Municipal Airport will be rehabilitated in 2026. The current runway is showing signs of seasonal wear and damage including surface deterioration and cracking. The total project cost is almost $2.2 million and will be funded with a little more than $2 million from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), $53,863 from ODAA and $53,863 from the local airport sponsor.

Lastly, the next phase of air cargo improvements for Ardmore Municipal Airport was approved utilizing Preserving Rural Economic Prosperity (PREP) funds from the Legislature. This phase will construct/improve the south access road known as Grumman Street and a parking lot for the future air cargo facility at a cost of $7.9 million with funding provided entirely by PREP sources.

Each construction project is part of the Department’s Airport Construction Program (ACP). The ACP is a five-year revolving plan that the ODAA provides in cooperation with the FAA and airport sponsors to support the combined goal of having a system of airports that serve the business, transportation, and commerce needs of communities across the state. All approvals are contingent upon ODAA receiving an acceptable grant application.

“Maintaining a strong airport infrastructure is essential for the growth of local communities and as well as the advancement of aerospace commerce statewide,” said Grayson Ardies, ODAA executive director. “We look forward to these projects proceeding as we work to enhance Oklahoma’s air transportation capabilities.”

The Commission authorized sponsorships for two upcoming aerospace-related events. Up first will be ODAA’s ninth annual Women in Aviation and Aerospace Day to be held on Dec. 12, 2025 at AAR Corporation in Oklahoma City. ODAA has partnered with The Ninety-Nines International to pay tribute to ODAA’s Woman of the Year, Amelia Earhart. The luncheon will feature special guest Amelia Rose Earhart, record-setting pilot and professional speaker.

The Commission also approved their continued support of Oklahoma Aerospace Week and the Aerospace Innovation Summit hosted by the Oklahoma City Innovation District in partnership with ODAA, March 30 through April 3, 2026. This will be the third year for this innovative week and will feature several events each day culminating with Oklahoma’s Aerospace and Defense Day at the Capitol on April 1^st where more than 60 exhibitors and over 1,200 people come to advocate for and learn about the state’s second largest industry.

Both upcoming activities will be following several summer and early fall events hosted or supported by ODAA. Commissioners heard from staff on several after action reports for events in July, August, and September:

• ODAA partnered with multiple communities and companies to attend the EAA AirVenture at Oshkosh, the world’s largest general aviation fly-in and conference, which was held July 20 through 26 in Oshkosh, Wisc.
• On August 7-8 ODAA held the Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) Multi-State Collaborative Meeting at the Capitol where 20 different state aviation agencies were represented to collaborate on AAM and Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) policies.
• ODAA supported and attended two in-state events: Tinker and the Primes and Oklahoma Municipal league.    
• With the start of construction season well underway, ODAA helped dedicate and break ground on several infrastructure projects throughout the state. New terminals at Mid-America Industrial Airport (Pryor) and Miami Regional Airport had their ribbon cutting ceremonies in August. In September, the ODAA helped host groundbreaking ceremonies for construction projects at the airports in Bartlesville (new hangar), South Grand Lake (new hangar and terminal building) and Stroud (runway extension and widening) as well as completion ceremonies in Bartlesville (new taxilane) and Okemah (new taxilane and hangars).
• The Department also hosted Girls in Aviation Day on Sept. 20, at AAR Corporation at Will Rogers International Airport in Oklahoma City.

"It’s an exciting time to be part of aerospace in Oklahoma,” said Sandra Shelton, ODAA director of Government Affairs, Industry Development and Communications. “At each event, we’re seeing firsthand how the Department contributes to Oklahoma’s growth. By supporting the next generation of aviators, we are securing our state’s leading position in the aerospace industry for years to come.”

The Commission heard reports for the proposed ODAA legislative agenda for the 2026 session which will focus on three main areas: attracting commerce, retaining talent and improving airspace safety. Topics like continued reform and improvement of the engineer tax credits for aerospace were key amongst that discussion which is aimed at ensuring one of the state’s top aerospace specific incentives meets the needs of industry.

The next ODAA Commission meeting is scheduled for 9 a.m. on Dec. 10, 2025 at the Oklahoma Department of Transportation in Oklahoma City. Members of the public and media are encouraged to watch the livestream of ODAA’s Commission meetings. The link to the livestream is available at oklahoma.gov/aerospace/about/commission.