Enid, OK – Enid is setting its sights on a promising future within Oklahoma’s rapidly expanding aerospace industry. As the aerospace sector continues to soar in the state—surpassing agriculture as the second-largest industry—Enid leaders are capitalizing on the boom by investing in significant infrastructure upgrades at Enid Woodring Regional Airport.
According to the Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics (ODAA), the aerospace industry now employs over 206,000 individuals and generates approximately $44 billion in economic activity statewide. The industry has become the state’s fastest-growing economic sector, second only to oil and gas.
In an effort to take advantage of this growing industry, the city of Enid has invested millions into Woodring Regional Airport in recent years. Mayor David Mason emphasized the importance of these upgrades, stating that they will pay substantial dividends for the city in the near future.
“The investment we’ve made in Woodring is going to significantly contribute to our growth as a key player in the aerospace sector,” Mason said. “As the industry continues to grow, Enid will be positioned to support and benefit from it.”
One of the most notable projects was the extension of the airport’s main runway, which has increased its length from approximately 6,000 feet to a full 8,000 feet of usable space. Completed in 2015, the $9 million runway extension enables Woodring to accommodate larger and more diverse aircraft, from military jets to commercial aviation.
Keston Cook, the airport’s director, highlighted other key improvements designed to boost the airport’s capabilities and strengthen its military ties. These include the addition of two joint-use hangars, the first of which was built in 2011 at a cost of $573,000. Measuring 120 feet by 120 feet, the hangar can house military aircraft from Vance Air Force Base and support general aviation operations. A second joint-use hangar, which cost nearly $2 million, was completed in recent years to further support military and civilian aviation.
Another crucial addition to the airport is a new terminal building, which was completed for around $2.6 million. This state-of-the-art terminal enhances the airport’s capacity to handle passenger traffic and is an essential part of the city’s broader plan to increase air transportation options for both military and civilian users.
In addition to the terminal, several other significant improvements have been made, including the reconstruction of the crosswind runway 13/31 at a cost of $3 million, and the development of a second joint-use parking apron in front of the first hangar, which is designed specifically to accommodate military aircraft. The apron, which covers 46,000 square feet, is one of several projects that demonstrate the airport’s close relationship with Vance Air Force Base, the largest user of Woodring facilities.
The most recent project, completed at a cost of $3.2 million, involved the reconstruction of the south ramp, including the construction of eight conjoined box hangars. The new ramp replaces the previous 70,000-square-foot ramp, further expanding the airport’s ability to support military and general aviation activities.
With these upgrades, Woodring Regional Airport is not only enhancing its capacity for handling aerospace activities but also positioning itself as a hub for both civilian and military aviation in the state. The close ties between the airport and Vance Air Force Base, combined with modern infrastructure, ensure that Enid will remain a key player in the state’s growing aerospace sector.
As the aerospace industry continues to thrive in Oklahoma, Enid’s investments in its airport infrastructure are poised to pay off, attracting more businesses, bolstering the local economy, and providing essential support to the military and aviation industries for years to come.
