The aviation industry is facing its most transformative decade since the introduction of the jet engine, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said Thursday on a visit to Oklahoma City.

Buttigieg toured the Federal Aviation Administration's Mike Monroney Aeronautical Center, where air traffic controllers are trained.

He said their work was critical in view of rapid changes in the industry. He cited drones occupying the national airspace, artificial intelligence coming online, and the development of electric-powered vertical landing and takeoff craft, along with a robust commercial spaceflight economy.

He said the Monroney Center was at the forefront of keeping access to the skies safe and reliable.

This story originally ran on NewsOK.com.