Oklahoma highlighted its growing role in aerospace and business aviation at the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) convention and exhibition in Las Vegas. According to a press release from the Oklahoma Senate, Senator Darcy Jech, Chair of the Oklahoma Senate Aeronautics and Transportation Committee, attended the event with the Oklahoma delegation. The convention hosted more than 20,000 attendees, 800 exhibitors, and 50 aircraft displays.
Senator Jech met with Congressman Sam Graves, Chair of the U.S. House Transportation Committee, to discuss topics including the integration of manned and unmanned aircraft. Representatives from Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) and Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) companies also participated in these discussions.
Jech noted the strong presence of Oklahoma-based companies at the event and acknowledged the state’s ongoing efforts to support aviation industry growth. Businesses of various sizes from across Oklahoma were represented, reflecting the state’s legislative commitment to advancing aerospace development.
The NBAA convention, established in 1947, continues to serve as a key venue for showcasing civil aviation innovation. The Oklahoma Senate highlighted the state’s long-standing aviation history, including the founding of the Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics, the University of Oklahoma’s aviation program, and the Civil Aeronautics Authority’s Aeronautical Center in Oklahoma City.
Senator Jech emphasized the importance of collaboration between state government, local communities, and private companies to maintain Oklahoma’s leadership in areas such as aviation fuel innovation, airport modernization, aircraft transactions, and maintenance operations. Oklahoma’s participation included the Department of Commerce, the Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics, and companies such as Avtrac, MST Manufacturing, NAI Red, Inc., and OKC Will Rogers International Airport.
