The Norman Transcript

The University of Oklahoma was awarded a $132 million contract to provide training to federal air traffic controllers, the largest contract in the university's history, school officials announced Thursday.

The Federal Aviation Administration Air Traffic Instructional Support services contract with OU Outreach provides for a base and four one-year options totaling $132 million.

"We are excited to have the opportunity to continue our long relationship with the FAA, and we are also very proud of the significant impact this contract has on the local economy in terms of jobs and infrastructure," James Pappas, vice president for University Outreach, said in a statement.

Administered by the College of Continuing Education, the training program has provided support to the FAA since 1981. The program employs more than 300 people who work two shifts training about 2,500 air traffic controllers each year.