Articles

OAOA Recognizes OCAP Recipients

SWO’s New Terminal Available in 2026 

(Stillwater, OK) – Stillwater Regional Airport will enhance flight amenities and options in 2026 through a new 31,375 sq. ft. new terminal that is officially under construction following the groundbreaking ceremony October 1. Federal, state and local officials gathered, along with community leaders and representatives from the aviation community, Federal Aviation Administration and American Airlines to mark the occasion.

“We are elated to be celebrating this monumental development with everyone and for the opportunity to bring a world-class terminal to Stillwater,” Airport Director Kellie Reed said. “We extend our gratitude to American Airlines for eight years of commercial service in Stillwater and we look forward to many continued years of that partnership.”

American Airlines Senior Consultant, Government Affairs Dale Morris said American Airlines wants to see its eight-year partnership with Stillwater Regional Airport continue to grow. The airline wants to provide the right services for the passengers and to ensure OSU, the community and businesses continue to flourish, he said.  

Stillwater Mayor Will Joyce addressed the project’s significance to the community and its impact on economic development. The new terminal is the product of many years of effort, he said. The larger terminal will allow Stillwater to increase flight operations and continue to grow the region from which travelers flying in and out of Stillwater Regional Airport are drawn. 

Having commercial air service in Stillwater has a significant impact on business and on Oklahoma State University for recruiting staff and students. The new terminal will only enhance that impact, Joyce said. 

“It’s hard to overstate how big of a game-changer this is for us,” he said. “We’re so excited and so appreciative of all those who have made an effort to make this happen and are continuing the effort.”

ODAA Director Grayson Ardies emphasized the project’s statewide impact. "The groundbreaking of Stillwater Regional Airport’s new terminal is a significant milestone for Oklahoma's aviation and aerospace industry as a whole,” Ardies said. “This 31,000-square-foot facility will not only support the growth of air transportation for Stillwater but also contribute to our statewide efforts to enhance connectivity and foster economic development. By investing in infrastructure like this, we're ensuring that Oklahoma remains at the forefront of aviation innovation, meeting the needs of travelers and businesses alike.”

OSU Senior Vice President of System Affairs Kyle Wray said Stillwater Regional Airport is critical not just for OSU’s fast-growing aviation program, but for accessibility for the university as it continues to grow and for OSU athletics.  

Congressman Frank Lucas also touched on the connection between Stillwater Regional Airport and Oklahoma State University. The university, community and state will all benefit from continued growth and development of the airport, he said.  

“Let us not forget, this is a continuing process to expand the potential of this community and of our comprehensive university,” Lucas said. “It’s not just the access to the world that our athletic department needs; it’s the access to the world that our research department needs. It’s the ability of people to come to Stillwater easily, conveniently and quickly to do their business.” 

Funding for the $27 million project is provided from partners including the Federal Aviation Administration, the Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics, and the City of Stillwater. 

Stillwater Regional Airport is one of only four airports in the state to offer scheduled commercial passenger air service. The new terminal replaces a building constructed in 1952 that was retrofitted for the launch of commercial air service in 2016.

Offering modern facilities with concession space and two gates, the new terminal will serve Stillwater and the surrounding region for decades to come. 

“The (new) terminal was beautifully and mindfully designed with both aviation and local Stillwater influences included from the McFarland Architects team,” Reed said. 

Phase I of the project consists of the new terminal building, parking lot, and a 4-lane drop off. Further roadway improvements will be in Phase II. Completion of the terminal is expected in August 2026. 

Additional event pictures are available at: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjBKSA9. 

Westmoore High School Wins Inaugural Oklahoma High School Aviation State Championship

Posted by amc on 02/23/2026 1:28 pm  

By Melissa Fuller

Monday, February 23, 2026

TULSA, Okla. – In a historic weekend for Oklahoma education and industry, Westmoore High School has been crowned the first-ever Oklahoma High School State Aviation Champions. The Jaguars secured the title at the event hosted by the Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics (ODAA) and FlightSafety International in Tulsa.

The championship held Feb. 20–21 at the Tulsa Community College Southeast Campus brought together 12 finalist teams from across the state. Students participated in flight simulation rounds, showcasing their technical skills and aviation knowledge during the competition. Saturday morning, the top four advancing schools — Ada, Newcastle, Union and Westmoore — faced off during the final rounds, culminating in the noon awards presentation and Westmoore High School earning first place.

Final Results:

• 1st Runner Up: Ada High School
• 3rd Place: Union High School
• 4th Place: Newcastle High School
• 5th Place: Cache High School
• 6th Place: Wyandotte High School
• 7th Place: Oklahoma Aviation Academy (Norman)
• 8th Place: Marietta High School
• Semi-Finalist: Pryor High School
• Semi-Finalist: Haworth High School
• Semi-Finalist: Collinsville High School

Top Gun Aviators:

• Cash Goodwin, Ada High School
• Logan Wiggins, Oklahoma Aviation Academy
• Chase Will, Oklahoma Aviation Academy
• Michael Hall, Cache High School
• Ahmad Zubaidi, Union High School

Top Gun Instructor: Ms. Erin Hansen, Marietta High School
Most Valuable Pilot (MVP): Jack Donahoo, Newcastle High School
Oklahoma Aviation Spirit of Aviation Award: Stillwater High School

“Seeing these students compete at such a high level reinforces why Oklahoma leads the nation in high school aviation education,” said Grayson Ardies, ODAA executive director. “We are intentionally building a pipeline from the classroom to the cockpit, ensuring the next generation of aerospace professionals is cleared for takeoff in Oklahoma.”

Aerospace and defense is Oklahoma's second-largest and fastest-growing industry. The state ranks first in the country in the number of high schools teaching the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) curriculum. This event is a key part of that effort, reflecting the state's focus on developing and retaining a quality workforce that will supply the necessary channel to ensure this industry can become the state's leading economic driver.

ODAA Statewide Aerospace STEM Education Manager Paula Kedy credited state teachers for the program's growth. “We treasure our partners who provide the curriculum, flight simulators, and necessary resources for this special event, but let's not forget the dedicated Oklahoma educators who bring lift to the program. These teachers have stepped up to lead these students, pouring countless hours into the program and bridging the gap between the classroom and the industry.”

In addition to Friday's semi-final practice and competition, participants toured FlightSafety International's Broken Arrow location where students saw firsthand the company's advanced simulation technology used worldwide. Students also toured Tulsa Community College's Aviation Center and learned about its Air Traffic Control and Professional Pilot programs.

“My students were genuinely surprised and incredibly excited to advance through each level and eventually take first place,” said Norman Crowe, Westmoore instructor. “They are deeply thankful for the opportunity provided by FlightSafety International, the ODAA, and the taxpayers of Oklahoma who support programs like this.”

As the Jaguars return home with the inaugural state trophy, the event stands as a reminder that in Oklahoma, the sky is not the limit — it is just the beginning.

The ODAA is responsible for developing the state's air transportation system and promoting the aerospace industry through infrastructure, safety, and workforce development initiatives.

For more information on ODAA Aerospace Education initiatives, visit oklahoma.gov/aerospace/aero-education .

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