United Airlines has officially broken ground on a new $177 million Ground Service Equipment (GSE) Maintenance Facility at George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), reinforcing its investment in Houston. Along with the announcement, the airline also unveiled a cutting-edge Technical Operations Training Center (TTC) at the airport to further employee training capabilities.
As Houston’s largest airline, United employs over 14,000 people and operates over 500 departures per day. In the past two years, since 2021, the company has invested over $32 billion globally, the majority of which was directed towards investing in infrastructure projects, cutting-edge technology, and close to $10 billion in increasing wages for employees.
Opening in 2027, the new maintenance center will create 4,000 construction jobs and house 130 permanent employees. United’s senior vice president of technical operations Maria Deacon stressed how critical the project is, stating, “This investment in ground service equipment maintenance demonstrates our commitment to the workforce of Houston and the community.”.
United ground service equipment maintenance team plays an important part in successful operation of the airlines. They regulate bag transportation, moving aircraft with plane tugs, and are tasked with engine operation during inactive engines. Improved infrastructure in the additional facility space will enable easier tools to complement such activities seamlessly.
The new facility will also help IAH become United’s largest eGSE fleet hub, with over 1,100 electric units today. “All United flights rely on safe and efficient ground service,” Deacon said. “This new facility will enhance our capability to maintain and store our equipment and prepare for future growth at IAH.”
Certification Target
Designed to qualify for LEED Silver, the new maintenance facility is twice as big as the current 40-year-old building. Its expansion will include a 25% increase in repair space, a 60% increase in shop space, an 80% increase in storage, and a 50% increase in common workspace.
United added, besides the GSE maintenance complex, a $16 million Technical Operations Training Center at IAH. The 91,000-square-foot facility will enable the airline’s plan to add hundreds of new aircraft over the period of 2032. It includes specialized training areas, including sheet metal and composite shops, desktop simulators, and hands-on engine maintenance instruction.
United has been expanding its IAH operations, adding new international flights to destinations like Georgetown, Guyana; Medellín, Colombia; Puerto Escondido, Mexico; and Edmonton, Canada. The carrier is also proceeding with its $1.95 billion Terminal B development project, which will include 22 mainline narrow-body gates, 18 large regional gates, and 115,000 square feet of food and retail space. The project, approved by the Houston City Council late in 2024, is scheduled for completion by summer 2026.
By investing in these upgrades, United Airlines is committing long-term to Houston, enhancing operational efficiency and customer service at IAH.
Read also: Memphis International Airport’s $650 Million Modernization: What Travelers Can Expect
United Airlines New GSE Maintenance Facility at IAH: Project Factsheet
Project Overview
Location: George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), Houston, Texas
Total Investment: $177 million
Projected Completion: 2027
Certification Target: LEED Silver
Facility Specifications
Size Increase Compared to Existing Facility:
25% increase in repair space
60% increase in shop space
80% boost in storage capacity
50% increase in shared workspaces
Replacing 40-year-old existing maintenance structure
United Airlines GSE Maintenance Facility: Economic Impact
Job Creation:
4,000 construction jobs
130 permanent employees
Ground Service Equipment (GSE) Fleet
Over 1,100 electric ground service equipment units
Largest electric GSE fleet among United’s hubs
Operational Capabilities
Maintenance of critical ground support equipment
Responsibilities include:
Baggage transport equipment
Aircraft towing vehicles
Ground power units for planes
United Airlines New Maintenance Facility at IAH Strategic Significance
Enhances United’s ground operations efficiency
Supports future growth at IAH
Provides improved resources for ground equipment maintenance
Read also: George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) Ready for $132 Million Central Utilities Plant Renovation
