Oklahoma celebrates Aerospace Week

Kenton Tsoodle

1 minute ago

As featured in the Journal Record

This week, Oklahoma celebrates the second annual Aerospace Week—a recognition of OKC’s fastest growing sector. From March 31 to April 5, 2025, Aerospace Week will highlight the industry’s impact and future, with several events taking place in the Oklahoma City Innovation District (OKCID) in partnership with the Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics (ODAA).

Aerospace is Oklahoma’s second-largest industry, employing over 120,000 people and generating more than $44 billion annually. It plays a particularly significant role in the Oklahoma City metro area, home to Tinker Air Force Base—the state’s largest single-site employer, supporting over 26,000 jobs. The industry’s economic contributions reach beyond jobs, it also fuels innovation, technology, and business development. This year, two major developments reinforce aerospace’s critical role in OKC’s economy: Pratt & Whitney’s new military engines facility and Convergence at Innovation Hall.

Pratt & Whitney’s new OKC center is the only facility capable of performing all F135 (the world’s most powerful fighter jet engine) power module scope levels. The Alliance partnered with Pratt & Whitney, the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber and the Oklahoma Industries Authority to develop and establish the project in the city. This investment reflects the city’s ongoing commitment to expanding its aerospace capabilities and enhances Oklahoma’s role in advanced manufacturing.

Another game-changer for the industry is Convergence at Innovation Hall, a state-of-the-art facility designed to foster creativity and collaboration in STEM industries, particularly aerospace. By bringing together research institutions, major employers, and workforce development initiatives, Convergence provides a space where professionals and students can connect, innovate, and propel Oklahoma’s STEM industries, especially its aerospace sector, forward. With high-tech resources and amenities, it is poised to attract top talent and serve as a powerful recruiting tool for aerospace companies.

Read the rest of the column in the Journal Record.