By Melissa Fuller
Monday, August 18, 2025
OKLAHOMA CITY – Gov. Kevin Stitt has declared Aug. 19, 2025 “Oklahoma Aviation & Aerospace Awareness Day.”
The state’s first Oklahoma Aviation & Aerospace Day was recognized Aug. 19, 2018 after the passage of a measure placing it into state law during the 2017 legislative session.
The date runs concurrent to National Aviation Day which was originally declared Aug. 19, 1939, when President Franklin Roosevelt issued a proclamation encouraging citizens to observe the day with activities that promote interest in aviation.
More than 85 years since the first national proclamation, Stitt’s declaration continues to spotlight the importance of powered flight across the state by commemorating and celebrating Oklahoma’s aviation heritage.
The aviation and aerospace sector supports nearly $44 billion in annual economic activity and is the second largest industry in the state. Aviation and aerospace supports 206,000 direct and indirect jobs totaling an $11.7 billion payroll.
As noted in the proclamation, aviation has been rooted in Oklahoma since statehood as Clyde Cessna performed test flights of his early aircraft in western Oklahoma. Business aviation began in the state when Frank Phillips, W.G. “Bill” Skelly and other oilmen utilized aircraft to quickly travel to and from various oilfields. Notable airlines first founded in Oklahoma include Braniff and Southwest Air Fast Express. They both were eventually acquired by American Airways–now American Airlines.
The state is home to 108 airports. Of those, 45 are jet-capable, meaning they have at least a 5,000-foot runway which is more jet-capable airports per capita than any other state, with 95% of the population living within 30 minutes of a jet-capable airport.
Oklahoma is recognized as one of the seven centers in the world for the maintenance, repair and overhaul of aircraft. The state hosts the world’s largest military aircraft repair facility, Tinker Air Force Base, and commercial aircraft repair facility, the American Airlines maintenance base in Tulsa.
On Aug. 19, Oklahomans are asked to take a moment to recognize the state’s Aviation and Aerospace Awareness Day. The Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aviation encourages all Oklahomans to visit local museums like the Tulsa Air and Space Museum, the Stafford Air and Space Museum in Weatherford, the 99’s Museum of Women Pilots in Oklahoma City to learn more about Oklahoma’s fastest growing industry and the original aviators and innovators who helped build the sector.
Whereas, August 19, 1939, marked the first year of National Aviation Day with the signing of the proclamation by President Franklin D. Roosevelt coinciding with the anniversary of Orville Wright’s birthday, and the 56th Legislature of Oklahoma in 2017 established “Oklahoma Aviation and Aerospace Awareness Day” in state statute; and
Whereas, since the days of Clyde Cessna and Wiley Post, the evolution of aviation and aerospace has profoundly shaped Oklahoma’s economic landscape and fueled the state’s innovative spirit, making it a leader in technological advancement; and
Whereas, the ingenuity and determination of Oklahomans have significantly propelled the aviation and aerospace industries, whereby it is crucial to support and foster these contributions, ensuring that Oklahoma maintains its prestigious standing in this vital field; and
Whereas, aviation and aerospace sectors, including airports, off-airport aviation, aerospace businesses, and military aviation, collectively contribute nearly $44 billion in annual economic activity. This significant impact makes aviation and aerospace the second-largest engine driving Oklahoma’s economy, underscoring the importance of continued investment and support in these critical industries; and
Whereas, the future of a safe, secure, efficient, and progressive aviation and aerospace industry relies heavily on the unwavering support of both state and national leaders and citizens, ensuring innovative policies are in place for long-term sustainability.
Now, Therefore, I, J. Kevin Stitt, Governor of the State of Oklahoma, do hereby proclaim August 19, 2025, as Oklahoma Aviation and Aerospace Awareness Day In the state of Oklahoma.
Last Modified on Aug 18, 2025