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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.
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Left to right: Pistol Pete; American Airlines Senior Consultant, Government Affairs Dale Morris; Stillwater Regional Airport Director Kellie Reed; Congressman Frank Lucas; Stillwater Mayor Will Joyce; Oklahoma State University Senior Vice President of System Affairs Kyle Wray; Stillwater Vice Mayor Amy Dzialowski; Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics Executive Director Grayson Ardies; and Payne County Commissioner Zach Cavett. |
Additional event pictures are available at: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjBKSA9.
ODAA Announces Proposed Airport Infrastructure Investments, Approves Education Grants at March Commission Meeting
OKLAHOMA CITY — The Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics (ODAA) Commission has unveiled a landmark $505 million investment plan to improve the state’s aviation infrastructure and bolster its workforce through new education and internship grants totaling nearly $450,000.
Announced during the March Commission meeting, the FY2027–2031 Airport Construction Program (ACP) includes 95 pro-growth development projects at airports across the state that are part of a total of 176 projects designed to strengthen Oklahoma’s role as a national leader in aerospace commerce. The plan, developed in coordination with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and local airport sponsors, will enter a public comment period starting April 1, 2026, before final review and approval in May. This ACP invests $505 million, with $149 million coming from ODAA, $292 million from the FAA, and $64 million in local matching funds.
“By prioritizing this strategic development, we aren’t just maintaining runways; we are building the foundation for Oklahoma’s future economic competitiveness,” said ODAA Executive Director Grayson Ardies. “Modernizing our airport facilities ensures that our state remains a top-tier destination for aerospace commerce, corporate investment, and job creation.”
Airport Infrastructure Upgrades
The Commission reviewed and approved grants for improvements at the following airports:
- Ardmore Municipal Airport – This project involves installing and connecting utilities for the development of a new air cargo facility on the airport’s cargo apron. This $1.86 million project is funded by the Progressing Rural Economic Prosperity (PREP) fund, a Legislative initiative created in 2022 to spur rural economic growth.
- Clinton-Sherman Airport – Phase five of the airside rehabilitation continues efforts to address the airport’s aging pavement. The $3.9 million project will be funded with $1 million of FAA grant funds and $2.9 million from the Oklahoma Space Industry Development Authority’s PREP funds.
- Tahlequah Municipal Airport – The project consists of constructing a taxilane and relocating the Automated Weather Observing System (AWOS). The total project cost is about $1.13 million, funded with $1.07 million of state grant funds and $56,000 of sponsor matching funds.
- Will Rogers International Airport – This is a $7.6 million project to construct Taxilane G2 north of Taxiway G. This infrastructure is vital for hangar development and the expansion of aviation industrial activities. Funding includes $3 million from the state’s pro-growth aviation appropriations and more than $4.6 million in matching funds from the Oklahoma City Airport Trust.
“We are proud to invest in the future of Oklahoma’s airports,” said ODAA Airports Division Manager Nick Young. “In this iteration of the ACP, our focus remains on building the nation’s safest, most efficient airport system. These projects are catalysts for economic growth and community sustainability, driving long-term benefits across the state.”
For more information on the Oklahoma Airport System or to view the full Airport Construction Program, visit oklahoma.gov/aerospace. All public comments should be emailed to [email protected].
Investing in the Next Generation
In addition to physical infrastructure, the Commission approved nearly $300,000 in funding for the development and improvement of aerospace and aviation classroom labs at schools across the state. The following schools received grants: Burns Flat – Dill City High School, Chouteau-Mazie High School, Cushing High School, El Reno High School, Haworth High School, Jenks High School, Tupelo High School, and Watonga High School.
The Commission also approved nearly $150,000 to fund 11 aerospace and aviation internship grants as part of a pilot program. This initiative supports paid internships and apprenticeships at small airports and aerospace companies across the state, covering up to 50% of participant costs and helping bridge the workforce skills gap.
Aerospace Education Update
Applications for the 2026–2027 Aviation Education Grants are currently open, with a deadline of May 31, 2026. These grants support K–12 and post-secondary programs focused on STEM, drone building, and pilot training. Oklahoma currently leads the nation in aviation education, with 149 schools implementing the AOPA “You Can Fly” curriculum. Applications are available at oklahoma.gov/aerospace.
The Commission also recognized Westmoore High School for winning the inaugural Oklahoma High School State Aviation Championship held in February at Tulsa Community College. By defeating 68 teams, the Jaguars highlighted Oklahoma’s leadership in aviation education and its commitment to building a “classroom to cockpit” workforce.
UAS/AAM Infrastructure Funding
Finally, the Commission approved a strategic partnership with Tulsa Innovation Labs to support the Tulsa Hub for Equitable and Trustworthy Autonomy (THETA) program. The agreement authorizes a $2 million investment in radar infrastructure to support future autonomous aerospace systems.
Next Meeting
The next Commission meeting is scheduled for 10 a.m. Wednesday, May 13, 2026, in the ODOT First Floor Commission Room, 200 Northeast 21st Street in Oklahoma City.
Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics Partners with OAIRE to Propel Drone Innovation in High School Classrooms
Stillwater, Okla. – The Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics (ODAA) in partnership with OAIRE, the Oklahoma Aerospace Institute for Research and Education, hosted a professional development event and drone build for Oklahoma aerospace teachers on Feb. 27–28. The event, held at Oklahoma State University, highlighted the state’s commitment to “pushing the boundaries of flight.”
The strategic partnership with OAIRE brought educators from across the state to explore innovative and advanced Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) technology. The event showcased the essential role high school teachers play in bringing industry-leading innovation into the classroom to prepare the next generation of the aerospace workforce.
“Our educators are the cornerstone of this program,” said Paula Kedy, ODAA Statewide Aerospace STEM education manager. “With our expanding network of schools, the support of our state legislators and partnerships with industry leaders, Oklahoma is well-positioned to continue leading the nation in aerospace education.”
Key highlights of the event included:
Professional Development: Advanced training for Oklahoma educators on integrating UAS technology into high school aerospace programs.
Innovation Showcases: Demonstrations of cutting-edge drone applications in emergency management, agriculture, and wildlife conservation and control.
Workforce Connections: Bridging the gap between classroom learning and the 120,000 professional roles within Oklahoma’s aerospace and defense industries.
Oklahoma currently leads the nation in aerospace education, with more than 145 schools implementing specialized STEM courses like the AOPA “You Can Fly” program. This collaboration with OAIRE reinforces Oklahoma’s ongoing commitment to advancing aerospace research and education.
For more information on ODAA’s Aerospace Education initiatives, visit oklahoma.gov/aerospace/aero-education.
