Oklahoma: America's Center for Aerospace

OSU-UML was recently awarded a U.S. Navy contract for $44 million to design and test sensor systems, including those on UAV’s.Oklahoma is a state with a deep history in aerospace – from early aviation pioneers to modern day space missions. That heritage is embodied in the state’s pro-business policies and reflects a commitment to cutting-edge aerospace development.

To those heavily involved in the aerospace world, Oklahoma may be best known as the home to the largest military and commercial Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) centers in the world. The Air Logistics Center at Tinker Air Force Base in Oklahoma City is the largest depot for the U.S. Department of Defense while the American Airlines Maintenance and Engineering Center in Tulsa is the largest commercial MRO facility in the world.

What might come as a surprise, is that in addition to being one of the top centers in the world for MRO, Oklahoma has an amazing array of aerospace resources. Overall, the state’s aerospace industry has an industrial output that exceeds $12 billion and $60.6 million in sales tax revenue annually. With more than 500 aerospace-related companies doing business in Oklahoma – and 150,000 workers supported by the industry – aerospace now accounts for 10% of the state’s economy.

In August 2010, Boeing announced that it would bring 550 jobs to Oklahoma City when it moved two programs in its Maintenance, Modifications, and Upgrade Division to Oklahoma.

By locating and expanding in Oklahoma, companies such as Boeing, ARINC, and FlightSafety, are eligible to take advantage of one of the best business incentive programs in the nation. The Quality Jobs Program (QJP) provides quarterly cash payments of up to 5% annually for new payroll investment, and the 21st Century QJP doubles that to 10% for high paying, knowledge-based jobs. Additionally, Oklahoma has a first-in-the-nation PrimeWin program, which provides cash incentives to prime contractors who hire Oklahoma labor. 

FlightSafety, which has been operating in Broken Arrow, OK, since 1978, designs and produces sophisticated flight simulators used to train business, commercial, and military aviators. The company is building a new 340,000ft² facility that can support up to 1,000 workers. In addition, ARINC Engineering Services LLC, Oklahoma City, is doubling the size of its operations to increase capacity for aircraft servicing, while Mint Turbines, an overhaul and repair company in Stroud, is expanding this year with additional hires and a new headquarters.

Through the years, Oklahoma has become a front-runner in research, development, testing, and training of Unmanned Air Vehicles (UAV’s), along with nanotechnology, engine technology, and alternative fuels for aviation.

Recently, Governor Mary Fallin signed a bill that would reestablish tax credits for aerospace engineers going to work for companies located in Oklahoma. The state offers tax credits up to $5,000 a year to newly-hired aerospace engineers and up to 5% reimbursement of payroll to the companies hiring them.

Oklahoma State University recently started the nation’s first graduate-level degree program in UAV’s. Oklahoma, through OSU’s University Multispectral Laboratory (OSU-UML), is on the cutting edge as a leader for UAV research and development. The lab’s runway and test facility is the only place in the country where non-military builders can fly without FAA approval. OSU-UML was recently awarded a U.S. Navy contract for $44 million to design and test sensor systems, including those on UAV’s.

Oklahoma is able to offer a talented and technologically-advanced workforce, a competitive cost for doing business, a high quality lifestyle, and a central location. The aerospace industry is an integral part of Oklahoma’s fabric, as well as a vital part of the economy, culture, and future.


Oklahoma Department of Commerce
Oklahoma City, OK
okcommerce.gov