Better Sooner than Later

Oklahoma’s Aviation and Aerospace Industry nets just under $44-billion in annual fiscal activity, making it the Sooner State’s second largest economic engine.

Three segments account for this impressive total: Military aviation, $19.3-billion; off-airport aviation and aerospace businesses, $13.9-billion; and commercial and general aviation airports, $10.6-billion. Over five-percent (206,000) of Oklahoma’s 3.94-million residents are engaged in aerospace and aerospace-related professions, collectively earning a yearly payroll of $11.7-billion—an average of $73,000 apiece.

On Wednesday, 22 March, from 09:00 until 14:00 CDT, members of Oklahoma’s aviation and aerospace industry will assemble at the state capital in Oklahoma City to observe AERO Oklahoma Aviation, Aerospace, and Defense Awareness Day.

The event underscores the importance of aviation, aerospace, and defense to the state’s economy, and affords officials of Oklahoma’s aviation and aerospace industries opportunity to come together as one and meet with state legislators and other elected officials for purpose of reminding them of Oklahoma’s strong aviation heritage and impressing upon them, firsthand, the extent to which aviation and aerospace concerns maintain the state’s position as a worldwide leader in aviation, aerospace, and defense research, manufacturing, testing, and governance.

Many of Oklahoma’s top aerospace entities participate in  AERO Oklahoma Aviation, Aerospace, and Defense Awareness Day, proudly manning exhibit booths to promote their respective specialties and wares, all the while evincing their importance to Oklahoma’s economic well-being.

Partnerships with the Air Force Association Gerrity Chapter are currently being accepted to provide event resources, and lunches to honored guests and military service members. Individuals and organizations interested in assisting with the endeavor are cordially invited to email sshelton@oac.ok.gov.

In addition to representatives of Oklahoma’s aviation, aerospace, and defense industries, AERO Oklahoma Aviation, Aerospace, and Defense Awareness Day will feature private and commercial pilots, airport managers, municipal officials, drone pilots, educators, flying clubs, and myriad users of the Oklahoma Airport System—all of whom will have opportunity to meet one-on-one with state legislators and other elected officials.

FMI: https://oac.ok.gov