United Airlines has begun construction on a state-of-the-art maintenance technical complex at Orlando International Airport (MCO). The $315 million complex is intended to serve the airline’s Florida business as well as the economic growth of the region, company and local officials say.
Occupying an area of 32,900 square meters (354,400 square feet), the new complex will accommodate two hangars, warehouses, workshops, office buildings, special purpose work areas, and staff parking. As per the proposed layout, the complex will be capable of handling six narrow-body aircraft or a combination of one wide-body aircraft and three narrow-body planes simultaneously.
The complex is going up on the airport’s west side along Tradeport Drive, where United already operates one of its two existing hangars in Orlando. When finished, the new facility will consolidate more than 1,000 maintenance employees on a single campus, taking the place of multiple facilities now in use. United will continue to operate its existing maintenance operations while the new complex is under construction. Following the transition, the existing warehouse will be vacated, and a hangar originally built in 1954 will be demolished.
“Building our Orlando International Airport facilities allows us to continue our long-term growth while bringing our maintenance team together under a single roof,” said Kirk Limacher, United’s senior vice president of Tech Ops, Planning, and Strategy. “Orlando’s strategic location allows for efficient routing of aircraft while keeping ferry costs low, making our operations more reliable.”
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Maintenance complex is part of a wider deal
The project is part of a wider deal with United Airlines and the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority (GOAA). The CEO of GOAA, Kevin J. Thibault, described the project as a “game-changing investment” that enhances the airport’s infrastructure and drives economic development.
The United Technical Operations Complex at MCO should be operational by late 2027. Orlando Economic Partnership President and CEO Tim Giuliani said the expansion highlights Orlando’s booming aviation industry, which is supported by a skilled labor force, perfect location, and world-class facilities.
This project is part of the overall expansion of airport activity in central Florida, which is one of the busiest air traffic regions in the United States.
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Construction begins on United Airlines Maintenance Complex at MCO
Project Overview
Location: Orlando International Airport (MCO), Florida
Total Investment: $315 million
Project Scope: State-of-the-art maintenance technical complex
Facility Specifications
Total Area: 32,900 square meters (354,400 square feet)
Facility Components:
Two aircraft hangars
Warehouses
Workshops
Office spaces
Staff parking areas
United Airlines Maintenance Complex at MCO: Project Timeline
Anticipated Completion: Late 2027
Aircraft Capacity
Simultaneous accommodation:
6 narrow-body aircraft OR
1 wide-body aircraft + 3 narrow-body aircraft
Workforce and Operations
Total Employees Consolidated: Over 1,000 maintenance staff
Operational Strategy: Centralize maintenance operations
Construction Impact: Ongoing maintenance operations continue during construction
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