United Airlines has announced significant investments to enhance its Houston hub, reaffirming its commitment to both its employees and customers.

The airline broke ground on a new 140,000 sq ft Ground Service Equipment (GSE) Maintenance Facility and opened a cutting-edge Technical Operations Training Center at George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH).

These infrastructure upgrades are designed to support United’s operational growth, with the airline expecting to receive hundreds of new aircraft by 2032.

The $177 million GSE Maintenance Facility will be operational in 2027 and will bolster United’s fleet of more than 1,800 ground service vehicles.

The facility will provide expanded space for key maintenance operations such as battery charging, metal fabrication, and electronic control monitoring.

Additionally, the $16 million Tech Ops Training Center will offer advanced, hands-on training for technicians, including a $6.3 million Move Team Facility to support the airline’s Super Tug operations.

Phil Griffith, vice president of airport operations at United, said: “Investing in our people and facilities is essential for maintaining our leadership in the aviation industry. These new facilities will help us enhance fleet maintenance capabilities while equipping our employees with cutting-edge tools and training.”

United’s continued investment in Houston also aligns with its broader United Next strategy, which aims to transform the customer experience and support sustainable growth. As part of these efforts, the GSE facility will also aim for LEED Silver certification and will be part of the airline’s long-term environmental initiatives, including a fleet of over 1,100 electric ground service vehicles.

In addition to its infrastructure investments, United’s expansion is set to create thousands of new jobs. The airline hired over 2,100 people locally in 2023 and added more than 600 new team members in 2024, with further construction jobs expected.

The expansion supports United’s broader $32 billion global investment strategy, which includes significant investments in modern infrastructure, technology, and employee wages.

United’s Houston operations are crucial to the airline’s global network, with over 14,000 employees and more than 500 daily departures. The ongoing expansion is expected to meet growing demand while supporting the airline’s commitment to sustainability and operational excellence.

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