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The Sooner State Is Flying High
From the exploits of early aviators to the space missions of today, Oklahoma has built an outstanding aerospace heritage filled with courageous people, dynamic companies and incredible opportunity. That heritage, embodied in the state's pro-business policies, reflects core Oklahoma values: hard work, entrepreneurial spirit and a commitment to be on the cutting edge of aerospace. Oklahomans are not only courageous in pioneering flight, they are courageous in supporting aerospace industry development.
Today, more than 300 aerospace-related companies make their home in Oklahoma or base major operations here, adding to a growing reputation of aerospace excellence. All told, Oklahoma's aerospace industry employs more than 143,000 people with a payroll of $4.7 billion and an industrial output of $11.7 billion.
Some of the United States' most important and largest aerospace clusters are located in Oklahoma. Tulsa, in particular, with its quality workforce and easy access to rail and ports, is ranked 8th in the nation for the size of its aerospace engines manufacturing cluster and 20th for its defense related cluster according to a Harvard study.
Oklahoma Aerospace Company Spotlight
Here are just a few of the great aerospace companies who know the benefits of locating in Oklahoma.
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American Airlines Tulsa Maintenance and Engineering Center is a full-service repair and overhaul facility with 57 years of history in Tulsa. Its aircraft maintenance base is the largest facility of its kind in the country. Among the more than 7,500 employees in Oklahoma are more than 6,000 mechanics that perform heavy maintenance tasks on American's fleet. Learn more at www.mroaa.com. |
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The NORDAM Group is the leader in aircraft component manufacturing and repair. NORDAM has facilities on three continents, and its headquarters in Tulsa employs nearly 2,000. Boeing, Raytheon, Airbus, more than 150 commercial carriers, and U.S. and foreign military services count on NORDAM. Learn more at www.nordam.com.
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Spirit AeroSystems, Inc. is a new company with deep aerospace roots. Spirit AeroSystems employs more than 1,000 at its operations in Tulsa and McAlester and offers a diverse line of products and services for aerospace design, build, support, and spares/repair needs. Modern facilities and world-class technologies provide customers with quality, cost-competitive products and services. Learn more at www.spiritaero.com. |
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Boeing Co. -- Boeing's Oklahoma capabilities include engineering, maintenance, modifications and upgrades; supply chain services; engineering and logistics services; and training systems and services. Located or co-located on all three Air Force bases in Oklahoma -- Tinker AFB, Vance AFB, Altus AFB -- more than 1,000 Boeing employeees support a number of programs such as the E-3 AWACS, KC-135, B-52 and B-1. Learn more at www.boeing.com. |
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Honeywell-LORI -- The Tulsa facility is Honeywell-LORI's North American Center of Excellence, providing repair and overhaul for its Aviation Aftermarket Services business. Honeywell-LORI has advanced techniques to inspect, clean, repair, remanufacture, and test most types of heat transfer equipment used in the aviation industry. Learn more at www.honeywell.com. |
Military and Government Aviation/Maintenance Facilities
Oklahoma is home to three Air Force bases: Tinker, Vance and Altus. Tinker is the Air Force's largest and most important base for maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) of military aircraft and engines. The base employs 26,000 and accounts for $2 billion in state revenue. Contractor support for military aircraft includes companies such as Boeing, Northrop Grumman, Pratt & Whitney and Lockheed Martin. Tinker contracts for over $5 Billion in support and services.
Oklahoma Aerospace Alliance
The Oklahoma Aerospace Alliance is an advocate for what is now largest industry in Oklahoma. The group seeks to build an industry, government and education coalition that ensures the long-term health and growth of aerospace in the state. The association represents major corporations such as American Airlines, Boeing, NORDAM, AAR and Honeywell, but will primarily focus on small and medium-sized companies such as Jet Service Enterprise, ARINC and EnviroSystems.
It is believed a single organization can more effectively represent the voice of the aerospace industry in the state. The association monitors state and federal issues that may affect these companies and forms coalitions with similar associations to provide a united front to the legislatures.
Approximately 300 aerospace companies -- with 143,000 direct and indirect employees, a payroll of almost $5 billion and an industry output of nearly $13 billion -- call Oklahoma home. This means aviation contributes 7.6% of the state's payroll and 10% of the state's industrial output. Nearly $60.6 million is generated in state sales tax revenue by aerospace-related entities each year.
Related Websites
Oklahoma Space Industry Development Authority
Clinton-Sherman Industrial Airpark
Contact:
Charles Kimbrough
405-815-5361
800-879-6552
