Oklahoma officials are preparing to release new economic data detailing the size, reach and economic contribution of the state’s aviation, aerospace and defense sectors, providing an updated assessment of an industry that state officials describe as Oklahoma’s second-largest and fastest-growing.
The Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics will unveil the results of its 2026 Aerospace Economic Impact Study on October 6, 2026, during a special event at the Oklahoma History Center. Government officials, industry representatives and aerospace leaders are expected to gather for the presentation and discuss the sector’s role in Oklahoma’s economy and opportunities for future expansion.
The event will take place in the Devon Great Hall, beneath a replica of the Winnie Mae, the aircraft associated with pioneering Oklahoma aviator Wiley Post.
New Study to Measure Oklahoma’s Aerospace Economy
The 2026 Aerospace Economic Impact Study is designed to provide updated data on aviation, aerospace and defense activity throughout Oklahoma.
The findings are expected to quantify the sector’s economic reach across communities and provide government agencies, businesses and industry organizations with a clearer picture of its current scale.
Oklahoma has longstanding strengths in aviation, aerospace manufacturing and military defense. Those established industries form a significant part of the state’s broader aerospace ecosystem, which officials are seeking to expand as new technologies and commercial opportunities emerge.
Updated economic impact figures could also help policymakers and business leaders evaluate workforce requirements, infrastructure investment and potential areas for future development.
Oklahoma Space Triangle Points to New Growth Opportunities
The study is also expected to highlight Oklahoma’s ambitions in the emerging commercial space economy.
Central to those efforts is the Oklahoma Space Triangle, which connects Oklahoma City, Tulsa and the Infinity One Oklahoma Spaceport at Burns Flat.
The initiative combines the state’s established aviation and aerospace centers with infrastructure intended to support space-related activity. Oklahoma City and Tulsa have significant aviation and aerospace operations, while the Burns Flat facility provides another platform for developing the state’s presence in the commercial space sector.
The new economic study is expected to examine those emerging opportunities alongside Oklahoma’s existing aviation, manufacturing and defense capabilities.
The findings could provide an important benchmark as Oklahoma competes with other states for aerospace companies, manufacturing projects, investment and skilled workers.
State and Federal Leaders Scheduled to Participate
Several prominent state and federal officials are scheduled to participate in the October presentation.
Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt is expected to deliver the keynote address. Lieutenant Governor Matt Pinnell is also listed among the featured speakers.
U.S. Rep. Tom Cole and U.S. Rep. Frank Lucas are scheduled to participate, along with additional leaders from Oklahoma’s aviation and aerospace industries.
Bringing government and private-sector representatives together is expected to provide an opportunity to discuss both the study’s findings and the broader direction of aerospace development across the state.
The presentation comes as aerospace remains closely connected with manufacturing, defense, transportation, technology and workforce development, making the sector relevant to economic activity beyond companies directly involved in aircraft or space operations.
Economic Impact Study Reveal Scheduled for October 6
The October 6 event will begin at 9 a.m. with a networking session featuring coffee and refreshments.
The formal program and presentation of the 2026 Aerospace Economic Impact Study will take place from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the Oklahoma History Center.
The Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics has said seating for the event is limited and is encouraging interested participants to reserve space in advance.
The study’s release will provide Oklahoma businesses, policymakers and industry stakeholders with updated figures for evaluating the economic importance of aviation, aerospace and defense across the state.
Beyond measuring the industry’s current footprint, the findings are expected to offer insight into where future opportunities may emerge, particularly as Oklahoma seeks to build on its established aviation and defense capabilities while developing a larger role in commercial space activity.
