Potential Name Change At WRWA Brings Oklahoma Aviation History Into New Logo

A new name could soon fly over Will Rogers World Airport. Oklahoma City Airport Trust members have been discussing the airport's rebranding efforts since the beginning of the year. 

Following last week’s airport trust meeting, the likely name would be OKC Will Rogers International Airport. OKC Director of Airports Jeff Mulder told the trust members about the potential new identity of WRWA.

Last fall, airport leaders asked the public to weigh in when the airport began website updates.

“We thought this was a good opportunity to look at our branding,” said Mulder at the airport trust meeting on June 27.

News 9 reported in February about WRWA’s plans to welcome international flights to OKC next year.

“We’re just taking advantage of that good planning and taking the next step,” said Mulder during a February interview with News 9.

The airport hired a consultant to rebrand the airport and give it a modern look.

“Trying to incorporate Oklahoma City into the name in some fashion,” Mulder said.

They proposed "OKC Will Rogers International Airport" with an elevated Oklahoma historic logo. Mulder said the design includes a piece of an iconic 1935 photo with Will Rogers and Wiley Post.

“The connection that Will Rogers had with aviation, which was quite a bit,” Mulder said.

Change brings some turbulence and adjustments.

“I am a little sad to see 'world' go,” said Barbara Peck with the OKC Airport Trust.

However, airport trustees agreed a fresh name would help travelers remember OKC.

“I’m very excited about it,” said Terry Salmon, chairman of the OKC Airport Trust. “I think we’re moving in the right direction.”

Airport officials said the airport trust and city council must file a joint agreement for the name to become official. That decision is expected by the end of August.

If everything goes according to plan, airport officials said OKC could see the updated branding by September.