The Clinton-Sherman Airport in Burns Flat could be the home base for new flight tests to be conducted by Boeing, according to a recent report in The Oklahoman.
According to the report, state officials were told of Boeing’s plans to use the base for test flights as early as March during their meeting earlier this month, but the specific timeline is not yet available. A Boeing spokeswoman confirmed the company’s desire to use the airport, but declined to provide more specific details citing the proprietary nature of of the testing.
Space Industry Development Authority Executive Director Bill Khourie told the Oklahoman he expects Boeing to use the airport for more than a month. A fuel supplier said he is planning for six months of work.
Boeing has used the airport on two previous occasions. They tested an auto-landing system on a 737 in 2013 and proficiency training and flight tests for the 747-800 in 2015.
As of now, there is no contract in place between the Space Industry Development Authority and Boeing. The board’s next meeting is in late February, which would be the next opportunity to approve a contract.