OKLAHOMA CITY (OBV) – Oklahoma leaders are giving soaring praise to the Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center’s significant contributions toward enhancing national security and helping aerospace become a dynamic, thriving industry in Oklahoma.
Hundreds of aviation students, dozens of aerospace exhibitors, scores of active and veteran military members and state leaders gathered at the State Capitol last week for the annual AERO Day celebration.
The event gave special focus to the Monroney Center. Sen. Paul Rosino, R-Oklahoma City, presented Senate Resolution 11, which officially acknowledges the Monroney Center’s decades of growing and elevating civilian and military aviation.
Rosino issued a statement to Oklahoma Business Voice about the importance of the Monroney Center.
“The Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center plays a critical role in strengthening national security, advancing workforce development, and supporting the aviation sector’s economic impact as one of the top employers in the Oklahoma City region,” Rosino said to Oklahoma Business Voice. “For decades, the Federal Aviation Administration Academy, housed at the center, has been integral to supporting the nation’s aviation infrastructure, training tens of thousands of professionals whose expertise ensures the safety, efficiency, and competitiveness of U.S. airspace. Senate Resolution 11 recognized the Monroney Center’s long-standing influence on aviation training and safety, affirmed Oklahoma’s competitive position in the aerospace and defense industries, and expressed support for the center’s continued leadership in the aviation sector.”
The Monroney Center’s Oklahoma City campus is located just west of Will Rogers International Airport. It has 133 buildings across 1,100 acres. It was established in 1946 as a centralized training and logistics facility. It is the largest Department of Transportation facility outside of Washington, D.C. and one of the Top 10 employers in the Greater Oklahoma City metro, according to Greater Oklahoma City.
The Center provides critical products and services for all aspects of aviation. The center directly supports the safe and efficient operations of Oklahoma’s national and international aviation system and provides competitive business solutions for our customers. It has a diverse customer portfolio that extends beyond the FAA to many other federal agencies including the Department of Defense, the Department of Homeland Security, all modes within the Department of Transportation, the Securities and Exchange Commission and many others.
Christy Gillenwater, President & CEO, Greater Oklahoma City Chamber, gave a statement to Oklahoma Business Voice, saying the Monroney Center not only strengthens aerospace and defense for both the state and the nation but also Oklahoma City’s workforce. That statement is as follows:
“We appreciate the legislature’s official recognition of the Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center through the passage of Oklahoma State Resolution 11. This resolution highlights the center’s pivotal presence in Oklahoma City’s economy and recognizes its national significance as a premier hub for aviation safety, training, and logistics.
The Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center, recognized as one of the Federal Aviation Administration’s largest facilities, employs over 7,500 individuals and plays a vital role in administering key aviation programs that benefit the nation.
The Greater Oklahoma City Chamber has consistently collaborated with MMAC leadership and federal officials to advocate for the center’s sustained success. Our initiatives include securing federal funding, promoting infrastructure investments at Will Rogers World Airport, and addressing the workforce needs that are essential to MMAC’s long-term mission. We remain steadfast in our commitment to protecting and advancing this indispensable asset, ensuring that MMAC continues to be a pivotal driver of Oklahoma City’s aerospace industry and a global leader in aviation innovation.”
Christy Gillenwater
Aerospace and defense is Oklahoma’s second largest industry, and the Monroney Center is a key contributor to that success, according to Rosino, who served in the U.S. Navy for 25 years.
“Oklahoma’s aerospace and defense industry continues its rapid growth in Oklahoma and secured $146.6 million in new capital investment in 2024 alone, creating 1,007 new jobs” Rosino said. “These numbers are on top of the more than $44 billion generated annually from the industry across the state. From aircraft maintenance and military aviation to cutting-edge research and development, our state plays a critical role in keeping our country safe and our economy strong.”
Data shows that Oklahoma’s aerospace industry is not slowing down anytime soon.
The state has seen a 125 percent increase in aerospace exports over the last decade, according to data from the Oklahoma Department of Commerce and its Aerospace Commerce Economic Services.
