United Airlines has taken another step in modernizing its infrastructure by beginning construction on a new ground equipment maintenance center at George Bush Intercontinental Airport, valued at $177 million. Additionally, the airline has inaugurated a state-of-the-art Technical Operations Training Center, reaffirming its commitment to operational efficiency and sustainable growth.
A Strategic Hub with Multi-Million-Dollar Investments
Houston is a cornerstone of United’s network, with over 14,000 employees and more than 500 daily flights. Since 2021, the company has allocated over $32 billion toward global improvements, including modern infrastructure and advanced technology. In salaries alone, United has invested nearly $10 billion in its workforce.
“At United, we believe investing in our people and our facilities is key to leading the aviation industry,” said Phil Griffith, Vice President of Airport Operations for the airline. “These new facilities not only enhance our ability to maintain a world-class fleet but also provide cutting-edge tools for employee training.”
Ground Equipment Maintenance Center: Efficiency and Sustainability
The new ground equipment maintenance center, slated to open in 2027, will improve the operability of more than 1,800 United ground service vehicles. Staffed by 130 specialized technicians, the facility will enable critical tasks such as battery charging, metal fabrication, and electronic control monitoring using state-of-the-art technology.
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The building’s design aims for LEED Silver certification, reflecting United’s commitment to sustainability. The new infrastructure will double the size of the current center, built 40 years ago when IAH operated with just 37% of its current boarding gates.
Key improvements of the new center:
- 25% more space for repairs
- 60% more workshop space
- 80% more storage capacity
- 50% more shared areas
Technical Operations Training Center: Excellence in Training
With a $16 million investment, United has opened the new Technical Operations Training Center in Houston. This 91,000-square-foot facility is designed to train technicians in maintaining the airline’s growing fleet, which is expected to add hundreds of new aircraft by 2032.
The center features:
- Sheet metal and composite material training workshops
- Desktop simulators for Boeing 737 and 787 training
- Engine maintenance training with real-world scenarios
- Specialized areas for borescope inspections and non-destructive testing (NDT)
“With this center, we’re setting a new industry standard for technician training,” emphasized Maria Deacon, Senior Vice President of Technical Operations at United.
Economic Boost and Job Creation
United’s investment in Houston not only enhances its infrastructure but also generates employment. In 2023, the airline hired over 2,100 people in the city, and in 2024, it has added another 600 employees. Additionally, the construction of the new maintenance center will create 4,000 more jobs.
A Compass Lexecon study estimates that the airline contributes over $1.2 billion annually to the local economy. Since 2015, United has invested more than $3.5 billion in its Houston facilities, including the renovation and expansion of Terminal B, scheduled for 2026, which will increase passenger capacity by 40%.
Through these initiatives, United Airlines continues to solidify its position as a leader in the aviation industry, reinforcing its commitment to growth, innovation, and sustainability at its Houston hub.
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Plataforma Informativa de Aviación Comercial líder en América Latina.