AERO Day at the Oklahoma State Capitol featured over 240 aviation students, 60 aerospace exhibitors, and numerous active-duty military members and veterans. The annual event focused on Oklahoma's aerospace industry, which is the state’s second-largest economic driver and rapidly expanding on a national level, according to the Oklahoma Senate.
Senator Paul Rosino, a Republican from Oklahoma City and a 25-year Navy veteran, spoke about the growth of Oklahoma’s aerospace and defense industry. He said, "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." The industry has a $44 billion annual impact on the state. AERO Day, which attracted 1,300 attendees, focused on career opportunities and advancements in the sector. The Oklahoma Department of Commerce also reported a 125% increase in aerospace exports over the past decade, as stated by the Oklahoma Senate.
The event featured 200 active-duty service members from five military installations and focused on Senate Resolution 11, which recognized the Monroney Center’s contributions to civilian and military aviation. Senator Rosino stated, "Oklahoma is proud to be home to several major military installations and aerospace training centers that provide world-class expertise to our armed forces," as reported by the Oklahoma Senate.
