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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.
Hines, Miller to Pilot Oklahoma Aerospace Caucus
OKLAHOMA CITY — Sen. Kelly Hines, R–Oklahoma City, has been named the new chairman of the Oklahoma Legislature’s Aerospace Caucus as the state’s aerospace and aviation industry surges, driving major economic growth and creating more jobs across the state.
Sen. Adam Pugh, R-Edmond, the founder and caucus chair, has selected Hines to succeed him in leading the influential caucus that promotes public policies supporting the viability of Oklahoma’s aviation and aerospace industry.
“After seven successful years of leading the caucus, I am confidently passing the torch, proud of the remarkable policy and appropriations achievements that this legislative body has fueled to propel the growth of the state’s fastest-growing industry,” Pugh said. “Senator Kelly Hines, a distinguished retired Army aviator, is the clear choice to lead the caucus into its next era of innovation and pro-growth initiatives.”
Pugh, a former U.S. Air Force officer, and other like-minded lawmakers formed the bipartisan and bicameral caucus in 2019 to support the growth of the aerospace and defense industry in Oklahoma. The caucus was started as a growing number of military officials, aerospace and defense representatives, government agencies and education leaders were actively advocating for the expansion of this critical sector across Oklahoma.
Pugh said one of the nation’s leading aerospace and aviation companies told him in 2019 that Oklahoma’s commitment to the industry — demonstrated by the creation of a dedicated caucus — had not gone unnoticed within the aerospace business community. He added that other states are now asking Oklahoma lawmakers and state leaders to mentor them in finding their own formulas for success.
“I’m unbelievably honored to be chosen to lead the Legislature’s Aerospace caucus, which has championed a series of reforms to grow the state’s second-largest industry,” Hines said. “After nearly 30 years as an Army aviator and aviation commander, I’m ready to use that experience to strengthen our workforce, support innovation and ensure Oklahoma remains a national leader in aerospace.”
When established, the Oklahoma Aerospace Caucus was one of the first of its kind among state legislatures. It holds monthly meetings during the legislative session, which are supported by staff from the Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics. Outside of session, caucus members have visited companies, military bases and airports throughout the state.
Hines has appointed Rep. Nicole Miller, R-Edmond, to be the new vice chair of the caucus.
“Aerospace is an industry I care deeply about and a key reason Oklahoma continues to grow and compete on a national level,” Miller said. “Through my family’s experience with military and commercial aviation on a personal level, and professionally through the Legislature’s sustained investment in aviation and aerospace over the past several years, I have seen firsthand the skill, dedication and hard work required to support and grow this industry. I am honored to serve as vice chair and look forward to continuing our work to strengthen the workforce and move Oklahoma forward.”
Under the leadership of Hines and Miller, the caucus will continue to highlight the contributions of local aerospace and defense companies, address pressing challenges facing the industry and work to attract new investment in this sector.
Over the last several decades, Oklahoma has implemented a series of aggressive policies to establish itself as a national leader in the aerospace and defense industry. These policies focus on tax incentives, workforce development, infrastructure investment in Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) and expanding the commercial space industry.
“Aerospace generates $44 billion annually for Oklahoma’s economy, and this sector supports 120,000 direct jobs, with an average salary of $73,300,” said Sen. Paul Rosino, R-Oklahoma City. “Oklahoma is home to two of the largest centers in the world specializing in aircraft overhaul, maintenance and repair. Maintaining this growing industry is vital to diversifying Oklahoma's economy.”
For more information, contact: Sen. Kelly Hines at (405) 521-5632 or [email protected]
or Rep. Nicole Miller at (405) 557-7375 or [email protected].
Durant regional airport launches new brand (copy)
Durant, OK. December 30, 2025 — Durant Regional Airport – Eaker Field announced the launch of its new brand identity and redesigned website, reflecting the airport’s rich history and its expanding role in aviation, aerospace, and economic development in southern Oklahoma.
The new brand draws inspiration from the airport’s origins as a World War II auxiliary airfield and its historical namesake, General Ira C. Eaker, record-setting Golden Age of Aviation aviator and United States Air Force pioneer. The visual identity honors this legacy through a vintage aesthetic that evokes classic aircraft, wartime insignia, and timeless design, while incorporating a clean, modern look that represents progress, professionalism, and future opportunity.
This balance of heritage and innovation reflects the airport’s mission today: preserving the golden age of aviation while actively promoting growth, investment, economic development, and a thriving aviation community.
“Like General Eaker before us; our mission is clear,” said Airport Director Denis Godfrey, “to leverage the airport as a crucial component of economic and recreational development for the greater Texoma region. Brand-wise, we want our love of airplanes coupled with small town hospitality and unique presentation to shine upon our guests.”
As part of the rebrand, the airport also unveiled a vibrant new website designed to enhance engagement with pilots, tenants, business leaders, and community partners. The user-friendly, mobile-responsive site features updated content highlighting airport services, operational information, and aviation- and development-related opportunities.
Oklahoma continues its heritage as a leader in aerospace and aviation — and Durant Regional Airport likewise plays a vital role in connecting the region to the broader aviation economy.
The brand and website launch underscore the airport’s commitment to honoring its roots, investing in its future, and serving as a friendly and approachable gateway for aviators, workforce development, and economic growth in Oklahoma and beyond.
The new website is now live at flydurant.com.
For more information, please contact:
Denis Godfrey
Airport Director
580-920-0574
[email protected]
Media Contact:
Madison McKown
Public Information Officer, City of Durant
580-898-4781
[email protected]
