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Oklahoma Approves $520M, Five-Year Airport Construction Program
Oklahoma Approves $520M, Five-Year Airport Construction Program
The Oklahoma Aerospace and Aeronautics Commission has approved a $520 million, five-year program to improve the state’s airport network. The initiative funds 176 total infrastructure developments.
Running from June 1, 2026, through May 31, 2031, the Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics’ (ODAA) Airport Construction Program pools federal, state and local funds to accelerate aviation business growth and enhance safety measures statewide. The strategy targets infrastructure needs to attract new commercial investment and transform airports into stronger economic drivers for local communities, while ensuring aviation facilities support the state’s transportation needs.
Among major funded projects are construction of a maintenance, repair and overhaul hangar at Tulsa International that will be large enough to accommodate widebody commercial aircraft up to the size of a Boeing 767. The airport will invest $9 million, and the ODAA will contribute $6 million to cover the $15 million project.
Another project is at Infinity One Oklahoma Spaceport in Washita County, where they will dedicate facilities to bring New Zealand-based Dawn Aerospace and its suborbital flight program to the state. The co-location agreement includes a hangar, office building and supporting facilities. The state appropriated $7.5 million for the project.
At Ponca City Regional, the city will replace its outdated terminal with a new building to accommodate waiting passengers, pilot, and other visitors. The new terminal will be relocated to the west of the existing building to allow for an apron. The FAA will provide $9.4 million in grants to fund most of the nearly $13 million project; ODAA will fund $1 million; and the City of Ponca City will cover the remaining $2.4 million.
“This plan represents a bold, pro-growth vision for Oklahoma and continues our leap into the global aerospace economy,” said ODAA Executive Director Grayson Ardies. “We’re not just maintaining runways; we’re building a world-class network capable of supporting next-generation commercial aircraft and pioneering aerospace industry operations to drive our state’s economy for decades.”
Former AAAE Chair Rebecca Hupp, A.A.E., to Retire from Boise Airport
Former AAAE Chair Rebecca Hupp, A.A.E., to Retire from Boise Airport
Boise Airport Director and 2025-2026 AAAE Chair Rebecca Hupp, A.A.E. has announced plans to retire from the City of Boise, effective June 19. After her retirement, Hupp will join Austin Commercial as vice president of aviation and will remain based in Boise.
“Rebecca is a tenacious leader who has driven meaningful initiatives at AAAE to harness technology and innovation, advance public policy, and make airports safer, more efficient and more passenger friendly,” said AAAE President and CEO Todd Hauptli. “Her career in leadership at AAAE and with the airport industry have been impactful, and I have no doubt that she will bring the same drive, determination and effectiveness to her new role.”
Hupp led the Idaho airport during a period of extraordinary growth, helping guide an 82 percent increase in passenger traffic over the past decade. Under her leadership, the airport completed major infrastructure projects, expanded air service opportunities and helped attract private-sector investment to the airport.
"Rebecca has had an incredible tenure at the Boise Airport through strong leadership and clear vision that has welcomed unprecedented and seamless growth," said Boise Mayor Lauren McLean. "Her contributions to Boise, both professionally and personally, will have a lasting impact on our community."
Hupp joined Boise Airport as director in December 2001 after serving as Bangor International Airport director for more than 12 years.
“Serving the Boise community and leading this exceptional airport team has been the honor of a lifetime,” Hupp said. “I am incredibly proud of what we have accomplished together and grateful for the partnerships, employees and community support that have helped Boise Airport continue to grow and thrive.”
City of Boise leadership and the airport’s senior staff will work together to oversee the leadership transition process. Boise Airport Deputy Director of Finance and Business Development Kathleen Watkins, ACE, will serve as interim director.
