2 days Ago By Mia Ping-Chieh Chen
United Airlines has formally started construction on a $315 million project to construct a cutting-edge maintenance facility at Orlando International Airport (MCO). Construction on the new facility, which the airline plans to operate in late 2027, started on March 27. This project is the largest private sector aviation investment in Orlando Airport's history and is regarded as a significant investment in Central Florida's aviation infrastructure.
A major investment for Orlando's aviation sector With a total area of 354,400 square feet, the new facility is intended to support a range of maintenance operations, Orlando Airport said in a press release . It will include two hangars, warehouses, offices, workshops, and staff rooms. When finished, the building will be able to accommodate up to six narrow-body aircraft at once, or a mix of three narrow-body and one wide-body aircraft at the same time.
United's Technical Operations team, which currently employs approximately 1,000 people, will be based at the new site. United now holds the seventh-largest market share at the airport and offers more than 40 daily departures from Orlando Airport as of this April. Several older structures, including a 1954 hangar, will be replaced by the new complex.
The airport's important development-ready land will be created by demolishing this outdated infrastructure, which should help with upcoming aviation initiatives. Enhancing operational efficiency The project is also expected to have a significant impact on the local economy. Kevin Thibault, CEO of the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority (GOAA), which oversees Orlando International Airport, described the project as a "transformative investment" in the region.
Thibault noted that the development would not only enhance the airport's operational capabilities but also open up opportunities for further growth, with the newly available land offering direct access to airside operations. "United's new state-of-the-art Technical Operations complex represents a transformative investment in the region, while creating new development opportunity for the airport," Thibault said. "This project will provide development-ready land with direct ramp and airside access.
This type of real estate is a limited resource and is valuable for future aeronautical development at MCO." Economic impact and community support Tim Weisheyer, Chairman of the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority Board, said that the new development represents the power of collaboration between the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority and United Airlines, one of the legacy carriers in the United States. Earlier this year we put out a video on United Airlines’ fleet plan for the year.
It came via an update to investors dated January 21st, 2025.However, since then, the airline has made the decision to retire 21 aircraft ahead of schedule. Why is this? We take a look in today’s video.
.. "As we continue to grow and innovate, this project perfectly aligns with our Aviation Authority's Strategic Plan, which emphasizes fostering a culture of multi-industry innovation.
United's significant investment will not only enhance our airport's capabilities but also strengthen the region's position as a leader in aviation, creating lasting benefits for the community and industry alike." The future growth Once completed, the United Airlines Technical Operations complex at Orlando International Airport will represent a major milestone for both the airline and the region. The new facility is expected to generate substantial revenue for the airport over the coming years, with United paying $6.
7 million in rent during the two-year construction phase, according to Orlando's local news station MFTV-9 . The 30-year lease agreement is expected to generate an estimated $141.35 million in revenue, with an additional $88.
12 million if the lease is extended for another 10 years. Tim Giuliani, president and CEO of the Orlando Economic Partnership, also praised United's investment, stating that it strengthens Orlando’s position as a "global gateway" and enhances the area's competitive edge in the aviation sector. With the airport already handling nearly 58 million passengers annually, this new project further cements its status as a major hub in the aviation industry.
The construction of the new maintenance complex is part of a broader growth strategy by United Airlines, which continues to expand its operations globally. In addition to the Orlando project, the airline is also constructing a $177 million maintenance facility at George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston, Texas. It will support United's fleet of more than 1,800 ground service vehicles.
Both projects are slated for completion by the end of 2027..
