Hooker Municipal Airport Unveils $1m Fuel System Upgrade in Bid to Boost Regional Aviation Growth

Hooker Municipal Airport in Oklahoma has completed a significant modernisation of its fuelling operations following the installation of a new $1 million self-service fuel system, a development local leaders say will strengthen the airport’s role in supporting economic activity across the state’s panhandle region. The upgrade was formally marked with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on 17 November, attended by officials from the Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics (ODAA) and the City of Hooker.

Old Infrastructure Replaced to Meet Safety Standards

The investment replaces a set of ageing and increasingly unreliable fuel tanks that had become a constraint on the airport’s operational capabilities. The former Jet A tank had already been taken out of service due to its condition, while the 100LL system required regular maintenance. Aviation stakeholders agreed that the infrastructure no longer met modern industry safety standards, prompting the need for a comprehensive overhaul.

New Fuel System Designed for Broader Aircraft Use

The new installation includes updated 100LL and Jet A fuelling systems designed to offer enhanced reliability, reduced maintenance requirements and improved safety compliance. The equipment has been configured to support a wider mix of aircraft types, from single-engine piston aircraft typical of general aviation flying to turboprop agricultural sprayers and medical transport helicopters. Airport officials say this flexibility will allow the facility to serve a larger and more diverse user base.

State Leadership Praised for Supporting Aviation Growth

ODAA executive director Grayson Ardies underscored the strategic importance of the project, crediting state leadership for enabling infrastructure improvements of this scale. “Thanks to the forethought and vision of the Oklahoma Legislature and state leadership, which have supported critical airport improvements and pro-growth aviation infrastructure initiatives across the state, we’re able to see updates like Hooker’s new fuel system,” he said. “The new fuel system replaces the older infrastructure and we’re confident it will attract and better serve a greater volume of pilots and businesses in Oklahoma’s panhandle.”

$1 Million Funding Package Backed by State, Federal and Local Partners

The financing of the scheme was structured through a multilayered partnership typical of aviation infrastructure delivery in the United States. Around $513,000 of the total came from the ODAA, with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) contributing roughly $415,000. The remaining portion—slightly more than $97,000—was provided by the local airport sponsor.

City Leaders Expect Broad Community Benefits

City leaders view the upgrade as a long-term investment in regional connectivity and economic resilience. Speaking at the ceremony, Hooker mayor Aaron Witt said the benefits would extend well beyond the aviation community alone. “This is a major step forward for the Hooker Municipal Airport,” he said. “Modernizing our fueling system and providing our airport users with access to reliable equipment is a crucial investment in the future. We are excited to see the positive impact it will have on the airport and the entire Hooker community.”

Project Delivered Through Statewide Airport Construction Programme

The project was delivered under the ODAA’s five-year Airport Construction Program (ACP), which aims to maintain and enhance a statewide aviation network that supports Oklahoma’s business, transport and commercial sectors. The ACP involves collaboration between the FAA, state agencies and locally governed airports to coordinate investment priorities and ensure facilities remain compliant with regulatory requirements.

Airport Plays Key Role in Supporting Regional Transport

Located approximately one mile west of Hooker’s central business district, the municipal airport occupies 364 acres and functions as a key general-aviation facility for the region. Its single runway—3,311 feet long and 60 feet wide—serves nine based aircraft and accommodates an estimated 6,000 take-offs and landings each year.

Improved Facilities Expected to Attract More Air Traffic

With the new fuelling system in place, airport officials anticipate increased pilot traffic from within Oklahoma and neighbouring states. Improved reliability is expected to support local agricultural operators, aerial applicators, business travellers and emergency-response aircraft. The modern equipment is also regarded as a competitive advantage in a region where small airports vie for visiting pilots and aviation-related business activity.

Upgrade Seen as Foundation for Future Growth

As the new system becomes operational, Hooker Municipal Airport aims to position itself as a more capable and attractive hub for aviators moving through the panhandle. Local officials say the improvement marks the beginning of a broader effort to ensure the airport can continue meeting community and industry needs for years to come.