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United Airlines' Training Center Expansion

United Airlines and CAE recently celebrated the successful completion of the initial phase of expansion for the world's largest pilot training facility, located in Denver. This momentous project introduces 40 new training devices, including full-motion and fixed simulators, bringing the total to 86 devices at the Flight Training Center. Spanning nearly 700,000 square feet—equal to 12 football fields—this state-of-the-art facility supports the airline's ambitious goals in cultivating aviation excellence.

Availing New Resources and Technology

The newly added devices enable the center to train up to 860 pilots daily, addressing increasing demands from United Airlines, which currently employs around 18,000 pilots. During the expansion celebration, United's CEO Scott Kirby expressed pride in the advancements made, while CAE's President Matthew Bromberg highlighted the long-term partnership that enables such significant upgrades in training technology. This expansion demonstrates United’s commitment to maintaining high standards in pilot training and its proactive approach to workforce development.

Elevating Training Facilities

Located in the Central Park area of Denver, this facility serves as the singular training hub for all of United's pilots, new and existing. Each pilot goes through a rigorous qualification process which involves intensive simulator training, repeated every nine months to retain their certifications. The Flight Training Center boasts 52 full-motion flight simulators and 34 fixed training devices, designed to execute over 32,000 training sessions annually. It operates 24 hours a day for 362 days each year to facilitate this extensive training schedule.

In July 2026, the Denver City Council approved the rezoning needed for new expansion areas, allowing United to enhance its training capabilities further. The second phase of this ambitious project is set to break ground in the coming year, with operations expected to commence around 2030.

Adding Value Locally

United's investment in the new building, amounting to over $145 million, has created over 300 new jobs, resulting in a significant local economic boost. Presently, out of more than 11,400 Denver-based employees, over 1,600 are engaged at the Flight Training Center. The economic ripple effects are substantial; in 2025 alone, approximately $40 million was spent on hotel accommodations for training pilots, with projections for 2026 reaching around $50 million.

The facility has its roots in the Stapleton Airport complex, originally constructed between 1966 and 1968, and has been the mainstay of United's pilot training initiatives ever since. Over the last seven years, the airline has invested $370 million in enhancing the training center, positioning it as a vital asset within the company’s infrastructure.

United's Commitment to Growth

This expansion is part of United's broader strategy to enhance its hub in Denver, which has seen nearly $1 billion invested since 2021. This includes modernizing customer facilities, adding new gates, and state-of-the-art lounge areas. Recently, United has also increased hiring in Denver, with over 1,400 new jobs created in the past year and plans for at least another 1,300 in 2026.

As the airline with the highest number of flights and passengers in Colorado, United continues to reassert its dominant presence by maintaining an average of 570 daily departures from Denver International Airport. Its operational reach extends to over 200 destinations, including more than 20 international locations.

Exciting Career Opportunities

The expansion not only showcases United's infrastructure growth but also emphasizes its role as an employer of choice for aspiring pilots. With the largest widebody fleet in North America, United provides multiple pathways into the airline, including First Officer hiring, the Aviate® Program for career development, and the United Aviate Academy in Arizona for new pilots. The recent launch of the United Military Pilot Program continues to attract military veterans, allowing for a seamless transition into commercial aviation.

In conclusion, the expansion of United Airlines’ training facility in Denver symbolizes a commitment to excellence in aviation training while fostering significant economic growth within the local community. As the airline prepares for future demands, it illustrates an ongoing dedication to both its pilots and the broader workforce.