OKLAHOMA CITY – Oklahoma’s aerospace industry will continue to grow and prosper because of legislative support for the Aerospace Commerce Economic Services Program, a state lawmaker said.
State Senator Paul Rosino said Oklahoma’s aerospace and aviation industry is booming, and with financial backing and continued support from the legislature, has potential to get exponentially bigger, becoming the state’s largest industry.
“This adds to our arsenal of local, state and federal programs to support these companies which provide high quality, high-paying jobs for Oklahomans while infusing our economy with a stable source of revenue,” Rosino, R-Oklahoma City, said.
The ACES Program is a partnership of businesses, manufacturers, military installations, commercial aviation, educational institutions, nonprofit research institutions and state government working to address the needs of the aviation, aerospace and defense industries.
Oklahoma’s aerospace industry is a $44 billion industry that employs more than 200,000 Oklahoma. The ACES program is estimated to further grow the industry to $50-$60 billion annually.
The program has contributed to the creation of more than 4,000 new jobs through 17 aerospace and aviation companies that have already started or will by 2021.
“This is just the beginning,” Rosino said. “We must continue to develop partnerships and let the world know that the Oklahoma aerospace and aviation industry is open for business.”