Shaping the Skies of the Future
Tulsa is where aerospace legacy meets next-generation innovation. With deep roots dating back to the U.S. Air Force bomber plant in the early 20th century, the region has evolved into a dynamic hub for aerospace, space, defense, and unmanned aerial systems (UAS). Today, the region is home to one of the most diverse and advanced aerospace ecosystems in the nation, blending deep-rooted expertise with next-generation innovation. From commercial MRO to autonomous flight technologies, Tulsa is driving the future of air and space — with the talent, infrastructure, and momentum to lead it.
The Tulsa Regional Chamber also hosts quarterly Aerospace Council meetings, which provide Chamber members the opportunity to network and discuss key issues impacting aerospace and related manufacturing sectors.
Summaries of those meetings may be found below:
Aerospace & Defense
Tulsa has earned its place as a premier destination for the aerospace and defense industry, attracting global leaders who depend on the region’s skilled workforce, strategic central location, and robust infrastructure.
Industry giants such as American Airlines, L3Harris, Lufthansa Technik Component Services, Spirit AeroSystems, and NORDAM have long operated major facilities in Tulsa. Notably, American Airlines operates the world’s largest commercial aircraft maintenance base right here—employing thousands and reinforcing Tulsa’s status as a national leader in MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul).
With over 250 aerospace companies, 46,000+ dedicated employees, and an annual economic impact exceeding $11 billion, Tulsa’s aerospace and defense ecosystem is both expansive and resilient. From commercial aviation and advanced manufacturing to defense contracting and component services, the region offers the resources, talent, and innovation needed to support complex, mission-critical operations.
Whether you’re looking to expand, relocate, or invest, Tulsa is where aerospace and defense operations take flight.
Space
Tulsa is also rapidly emerging as a center for space innovation. The city is becoming a hub for rocket engine testing and advanced space technologies, with Agile Space Industries recently announcing plans to establish a space propulsion testing center. Backed by world-class infrastructure and a growing network of forward-thinking aerospace firms, Tulsa is where decades of aerospace heritage meet the next frontier of flight. With more than 250 aerospace companies, 46,000+ employees, and an $11 billion annual economic impact, Tulsa is positioned as a national launchpad for the future of aerospace, defense, and space exploration.
Click here to read more about how the Tulsa Region is emerging as a major player in the space industry.
Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS)
Skyway36 is Tulsa’s premier hub for unmanned aerial systems (UAS) testing, research, and innovation—serving as the primary access point to Skyway Range, a 1,200-square-mile Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) UAS corridor developed in partnership with Osage LLC, Oklahoma State University, and Tulsa Innovation Labs. This unique corridor supports both rural and urban testing environments. This state-of-the-art site features a 19,000-square-foot indoor drone testing facility operated by WindShape, capable of simulating real-world weather conditions for accurate, repeatable flight trials. Skyway36 connects public, private, and academic partners across a 114-nautical-mile corridor, offering a legal, scalable platform for aerial mobility research, product development, and manufacturing.
As part of Tulsa’s EDA Tech Hub designation and backed by a $51 million Build Back Better grant for advanced mobility, Skyway36 supports a growing ecosystem of autonomous technology. It benefits from Osage Nation’s streamlined jurisdiction, access to major transportation infrastructure, and Oklahoma’s national leadership in drone industry readiness. Skyway36 is also aligned with THETA—the Tulsa Hub for Equitable and Trustworthy Autonomy—positioning the region at the forefront of next-generation innovations in drones, robotics, and autonomous systems.
