Jazmin Li
Will Rogers World Airport in Oklahoma City is considering a name change as part of a rebranding effort. The airport is named after Will Rogers, a famous Oklahoma entertainer, journalist, and film star, who was a passionate advocate for early American aviation. However, some feel that Rogers did not have a strong connection with Oklahoma City, and that the airport's name should reflect someone with a closer association. The rebranding process will also include changes to the airport's colors, font, messaging, logo, and wordmark, to create a positive image for the airport, both locally and internationally.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Reason for name change | The airport is considering a name change as part of a rebranding effort. |
| Survey | A survey of nearly 6,000 people was conducted in October 2023 to gather opinions on the airport and its branding. |
| Results | Only 20% of those surveyed refer to it as Will Rogers World Airport. |
| Current name | The airport is named after Will Rogers, a cultural icon of Oklahoma and a famous entertainer, journalist, and film star. |
| International status | The airport currently does not offer direct international flights, but there are plans to add them in the future. |
| Custom facilities | The airport plans to add customs facilities to accommodate international flights. |
| Timing | The new brand is expected to roll out in late spring or early summer, with the website launching later in the year. |
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What You'll Learn
Will Rogers' connection to Oklahoma City
Will Rogers, born William Penn Adair Rogers, was an American citizen of the Cherokee Nation, in the Indian Territory (now part of Oklahoma). He was born on his parents' Dog Iron Ranch in Rogers County, near present-day Oologah, Oklahoma. Rogers County was named in honour of his father, Clement V. Rogers. Rogers considered himself Cherokee, as his parents were both mixed-race with Cherokee ancestry.
Rogers began his career as a vaudeville performer, doing rope tricks as a sideshow artist. He went on to star on Broadway for 10 years in the Ziegfeld Follies, wrote a nationally syndicated newspaper column, and acted in more than 70 Hollywood movies. He was also the first civilian to fly from coast to coast in early airmail flights.
Rogers bought a 20-acre ranch near Claremore, Oklahoma, in 1911, which he intended to use as his retirement home. However, before he could retire, he was killed in a plane crash in 1935. His land in Claremore was later turned into the Will Rogers Memorial Museum, which houses the largest collection of Will Rogers memorabilia in the world, as well as all of his writings. The museum has twelve galleries, a children's museum, a theatre, and a library. The grounds also have a sunken garden where Rogers, his wife, and several family members are entombed.
Rogers is known as "Oklahoma's Favorite Son" and has been honoured with several landmarks bearing his name, including Will Rogers World Airport in Oklahoma City, the Will Rogers Turnpike, thirteen public schools, and a room in the student union at the University of Oklahoma.
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The survey results
The survey was part of a broader rebranding effort for the airport, which included updating the website, expanding the terminal, recruiting international destinations, and modernizing the look and feel of the airport. The rebranding also included updating the colours, font, messaging, logo, and wordmark to create a positive image for the airport, locally and internationally.
Overall, the survey results played a crucial role in driving the decision to change the airport's name and broader rebranding strategy, reflecting the airport's desire to stay relevant and connected with its community and stakeholders.
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The rebranding process
The Will Rogers World Airport in Oklahoma City is considering a rebranding, which may include a name change. The airport is named after Will Rogers, a famous Oklahoma entertainer, journalist, film star, and early advocate for aviation. While some people want to keep the name, citing Rogers' cultural significance in Oklahoma, others feel that a name change would bring the airport more in line with other major airports and reflect the city's growth and dynamic nature.
A survey of nearly 6,000 people was conducted to gather feedback on the potential name change and overall rebranding. The survey results will guide the decision-making process, with the airport trust considering the community's input and perspectives.
The airport's director, Jeff Mulder, emphasised that the rebranding is a common process for organisations, aiming to reflect the airport's meaning and value to the community. He also highlighted the airport's expansion and future growth plans, including international travel, as factors influencing the timing of the rebranding.
While the exact timeline is not mentioned, Stacey Hamm, a representative for the airport trust, indicated that the new brand could be rolled out to the public in late spring or early summer, with the website following in late summer or early fall.
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International flights
Will Rogers World Airport in Oklahoma City has officially been renamed OKC Will Rogers International Airport. The name change was approved by the Oklahoma City Council in a unanimous vote.
The airport's rebranding efforts are aimed at attracting international flights and raising the profile of the community. The airport is investing $12 million in a Federal Inspection station to accommodate international flights. The new name and logo emphasize "OKC", addressing feedback from a survey of thousands of people that indicated a lack of awareness of the airport's location outside of Oklahoma.
The previous name, Will Rogers World Airport, honoured Oklahoman Will Rogers, an aviation enthusiast and pioneer, and it was important to locals that his name be retained. The decision to replace "World" with "International" was made to align with industry standards and to reflect the airport's aspirations to welcome international flights.
The new branding, including updated colours and fonts, will be reflected on signage, wayfinding signs, and buses. The hangar can accommodate all 737 variants, and the terminal has been expanded to include a gate and boarding bridge for international flights, with a lower-level area for international passenger clearance.
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The airport's unique name
Will Rogers World Airport in Oklahoma City is named after Will Rogers, a famous Oklahoma entertainer, journalist, and film star. He was a Cherokee Indian, considered to be Oklahoma's "favourite son" and was a passionate advocate for the aviation industry in its early days.
The airport is considering a name change as part of a broader rebranding exercise. The airport's director, Jeff Mulder, has stated that the rebranding is intended to reflect the airport's meaning to the community and to modernise its image and feel.
The uniqueness of the airport's name has been a topic of discussion. Some have pointed out that it is the only airport in the world with the moniker "World Airport". While Will Rogers is a well-known figure in Oklahoma and beyond, some have questioned the strength of his connection specifically to Oklahoma City. It has been suggested that renaming the airport could be an opportunity to honour someone with a stronger tie to the city, such as Jim Thrope, who was born in Central Oklahoma.
Others have expressed a desire to retain the unique "World Airport" designation, perhaps combining it with a more specific reference to Oklahoma City, such as "Will Rogers Oklahoma City International Airport", similar to "Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport".
The airport's management has emphasised the importance of place branding and their intention to pursue the project thoughtfully and responsibly, taking into account the feedback received through surveys and other means.
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Frequently asked questions
The airport is considering a name change as part of a rebranding effort. The airport's director, Jeff Mulder, stated that the rebranding aims to reflect the airport's meaning to the community and create a positive image, locally and internationally.
The airport is named after Will Rogers, a famous Oklahoma entertainer, journalist, and film star. Rogers, a Cherokee Indian, was also a passionate advocate for early American aviation.
The rebranding involves more than just a name change. It includes updating the airport's colours, font, messaging, logo, and wordmark. The airport's website will also be redesigned and expanded to align with modern standards.
