Flintco Construction Selected for Tulsa International Airport’s New Air Traffic Control Tower Project

May 10, 2024
Tulsa Airports Improvement Trust
The new tower will be completed in 2026.
The new tower will be completed in 2026.

Flintco Construction has been selected by Tulsa Airports Improvement Trust (TAIT) to build its new Air Traffic Control Tower Complex. Construction of the new tower and base building with TRACON (Terminal Radar Approach Control Facilities) will begin soon, with plans for the project to be completed in late 2026. Tulsa International Airport plans to host a groundbreaking ceremony later in the summer to commence the construction kickoff of this historic project.

"We are thrilled to announce our partnership with Flintco Construction, a firm that not only understands the unique complexities of airport operations but also shares our commitment to safety and innovation. With their proven expertise, they will soon bring life to this highly anticipated new air traffic control tower”, said Alexis Higgins, Chief Executive Officer at Tulsa International Airport. “This project is more than an upgrade; it's a commitment to safety, efficiency, and the future of air travel at our airport and the throughout region.”

“Since 1980, Flintco has been able to foster a long-lasting partnership with the Tulsa Airport Authority, and we are honored to be able to build this 257’ tall air traffic control tower for the airport.”, said Russ Peevy, Vice President, Area Manager at Flintco Construction. “This will mark our eleventh project together, and we as a company are grateful for the privilege to be a part of these improvements at Tulsa International Airport.”

 

The Tulsa International Airport Air Traffic Control Tower (TUL ATCT), commissioned in 1957, stands as one of the oldest towers in the FAA’s system. Despite ongoing modifications to meet operational demands over the years, the current tower no longer meets modern building codes, making maintenance costs increasingly expensive.

Since TAIT is the owner of the TUL ATCT, the organization has worked to secure the majority of the needed funds to design and build a new Air Traffic Control Tower and TRACON facility. This project is crucial not only for maintaining the safety and efficiency of air traffic at TUL but also for expanding operational capabilities beyond current limits.

In 2023 alone, the FAA directed more than 328,000 terminal operations from its Tulsa ATC complex, highlighting the critical role TUL plays in regional air traffic safety. Additionally, the facility serves as an essential backup for military and air traffic operations in the Oklahoma City area, ensuring continuity of services in case of major disruptions.

·        Groundbreaking in late summer 2024

·        Construction September 2024 October 2026

·        FAA Equipment Installation Winter 2026

·        Acceptance and Operational Start Spring 2027

 

In addition to approving the agreement with Flintco Construction, the TAIT Board also approved a resolution to name the new Air Traffic Control Tower Complex in honor of Senator James M. Inhofe, recognizing his legacy of service and impact on the Tulsa International Airport, the nation’s aviation infrastructure, and to the City of Tulsa.