By: Lt. Governor Matt Pinnell
2024 was a transformative year for Oklahoma, with economic growth and workforce expansion taking center stage. We made remarkable strides, especially in sectors like aerospace, and attracted a significant influx of new residents and skilled workers through our Live in Oklahoma campaign. Through substantial investment, strategic planning, and collaboration, we reached new heights this year.
Aerospace Sector Growth
One of the standout stories of 2024 is the remarkable growth of Oklahoma’s aerospace sector, which is the fastest-growing industry in the state. The state's efforts to expand aerospace education have paid off, with Oklahoma continuing to lead the nation in high school aviation education. This year, 116 Oklahoma high schools are offering aerospace curriculum, securing Oklahoma’s ranking as the number one state for aerospace education. This commitment to developing talent is essential, as it provides the skilled workforce needed to support our growing number of aerospace jobs.
This summer, I attended the Farnborough International Airshow alongside leaders from the Department of Commerce to recruit new jobs and expand Oklahoma’s global aerospace footprint. Farnborough is the largest airshow in the world, and there were visitors present representing over 100 countries. We met with leading aerospace industry innovators to share why Oklahoma is a valuable partner in doing business, further cementing our prominence as a global aerospace leader.
At Farnborough, we secured multiple lucrative deals, including a partnership between Kratos Defense and Security Solutions and General Electric Aerospace to develop small, affordable engines for unmanned aerial systems. Additionally, agreements with companies like Claremore-based MST Manufacturing and OKC-based Nomad Defense were solidified, creating new jobs and economic growth across the state.
We also have a goal of making our Space Port in Burns Flat the busiest Space Port in America. With future leads like Dawn Aerospace, we believe that goal is attainable in 2025.
Another significant development win came this fall, as we cut the ribbon on Pratt & Whitney’s $225 million investment in a new facility in Oklahoma City. The 845,000-square-foot facility, which will support military engines at Tinker Air Force Base, is the company’s largest military engines field location and will double the site’s footprint and create 100 full-time jobs over the next five years. Public-private partnerships like this one are crucial to Oklahoma’s economic success.
Further solidifying Oklahoma’s place as the “MRO Capital of the World,” American Airlines announced a substantial expansion of its 3.3 million-square-foot maintenance facility at Tulsa International Airport, the largest such space in the world. The facility saw a 60% increase in overhauls from 2023 levels, leading to the creation of over 300 new jobs. This growth within the aerospace industry is not only essential for Oklahoma’s economy but also provides new opportunities for workers across the state.
Increasing Workforce Migration to Oklahoma
Oklahoma has also seen significant progress in expanding its workforce, as evidenced by the continued increase in net migration. In 2024, the state ranked #8 in the United States for net migration, up from #9 in 2023. This influx of new residents has bolstered Oklahoma’s labor force participation rate, adding over 30,500 employed residents since 2020. This is a sharp contrast to the loss of about 17,000 residents between 2015 and 2019.
The migration trend has also brought a notable increase in college graduates, reversing the so-called "brain drain" Oklahoma experienced in past years. Many of our new residents are coming from higher-income brackets, a shift from the previous pattern of outmigration, which saw higher earners leaving the state.
Our Live in Oklahoma campaign has played a key role in this migration. Expanding to the Houston metro in fall 2024, the campaign has generated impressive results, with more than 130 million impressions and an organically grown social media following of over 25,000. This initiative highlights Oklahoma’s appeal as an affordable, high-quality place to live and work, and many young professionals and families relocated here this year because of it.
In February, I launched my first Oklahoma Workforce Tour, where I traveled to seven cities across the state to address workforce challenges and opportunities within their communities. By engaging with businesses, local governments, stakeholders, and educators, I gathered valuable insights into topics like childcare, infrastructure, and affordable housing. I presented my findings to the Oklahoma Workforce Commission, and this report will help guide future policy decisions to address workforce gaps and create new opportunities for Oklahoma communities.
A Bright Future Ahead
2024 has been a pivotal year for Oklahoma’s economic and workforce development. From the aerospace industry’s explosive growth to the state’s increasing appeal as a destination for skilled workers, we have laid the foundation for another prosperous year ahead. I truly believe Oklahoma is the best state to live, work, and raise a family, and our year of flight and migration is a big reason why we can prove it.
