Delta break ground on new Pilot Training Center in Salt Lake City

Dergam Mousa

3 years ago

Delta Air Lines broke ground Thursday on a new Pilot Training Center in Salt Lake City. The center will complement the airline’s current facility in Atlanta, which has 34 full-flight simulators, plus 13 flight training devices (FTDs) and 20 procedure trainers (PTs).

Located next to Salt Lake City International Airport, this 47,000-square-foot facility marks the next chapter of Delta’s investment in its 5,400 employees and customers in Utah.

This is the airline’s first significant investment in training facilities outside its Atlanta headquarters, which opened its first pilot training facility in 1968.

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“This state-of-the-art training facility represents our dedication to running the world’s best airline, with the world’s best pilots, ensuring full capacity and unmatched performance,” said John Laughter, E.V.P. and Chief of Operations. “As we expand our operations, Salt Lake City plays a pivotal role as a core hub within our network.”

Inauguration is scheduled for 2025. Once completed, the new facility will have capacity for 10 simulators, starting with four.

Delta also has flight attendant training facilities in Salt Lake City, where it hosts thousands of training events a year.

Earlier this year, the airline signed a new lease with Salt Lake City Airport that extends the current agreement through 2044 and increases Delta’s gate count from 55 to 66, with an expected completion in 2027.