El Reno Regional Airport and Industrial Park is among the most used airports in the state of Oklahoma. Not bad considering there are 108 registered in the Oklahoma Airport System Plan.

Adam Fox credits the city of El Reno, the Airpark Authority and those airport managers who came before him for pushing the development of the historic regional airport.

Originally known as Mustang Field, the 698-acre airport in southwest El Reno was used to train young pilots for service during World War II. Ownership was later transferred to the city of El Reno.

Fox plans to build on the history and success of the Mustang Field legacy. And in a big way.

Fox is the new airport manager for El Reno. He has a degree in Aviation Management from Auburn University. He sees tremendous “blue skies” for the local operation.

El Reno Regional Airport, with its 5,600-foot concrete runway and secondary 4,017-foot turf runway, is the 13th busiest general aviation airport in Oklahoma.

Fox said the airport’s strategic location just off I-40 and 20 miles from downtown Oklahoma City and outside of OKC’s controlled airspace makes it a preferred and prime location for business traffic and business development.

A partnership between the Federal Aviation Administration, Oklahoma Aeronautics Commission and the El Reno Airpark Authority has resulted in what Fox said is the most modern fuel system in the state.

Fox said this kind of investment, coupled with new T-hangars being constructed as well as new security measures will make El Reno an attractive place for businesses and corporate operations to house their aviation investments.

Fox said while aviation growth is happening, there are also opportunities to attract more private investment in non-aviation-related industries. Included in the airport’s 698 acres are 59 acres that can be developed for industrial use. Already, the airport is fielding inquiries from those interested in setting up shop on the site. Another 300 acres rests on the west side of the airport. It is now under agriculture lease, but could someday be available for industrial development, which translates to jobs.

A year from now, plans are for a new terminal building to be erected. Again, this will be through a partnership between the Airpark Authority and the Oklahoma Aeronautics Commission.

Fox said the new terminal will boost El Reno to a “whole new level.”

“This building will serve as the city’s front door to businesses looking to establish, expand or relocate in El Reno,” he said.