State Senator Adam Pugh led the first meeting of the newly formed Aerospace Caucus at the state Capitol last week.

The bipartisan, bicameral group was attended by over 40 legislators, as well as officials from the Oklahoma Aeronautics Commission, the Department of Commerce, Tinker Air Force Base and private sector aerospace companies. 

Pugh, R-Edmond, said the caucus was created in response to the increasing visibility of the aerospace industry in Oklahoma.  Military officials and aerospace executives continue to push for broadened job training opportunities to fill hundreds of available jobs in the aviation industry across the state.

Pugh said he’s recently learned that Oklahoma’s Aero Caucus is one of the first of its kind in the nation.

Oklahoma Aeronautics Commission Director Vic Bird was also in attendance at the meeting, noting the importance of the caucus for the future of aviation in Oklahoma.