United Airlines has officially broken ground on a new Ground Service Equipment (GSE) Maintenance Facility at George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), part of a significant $177 million investment aimed at supporting the airline's vast fleet of over 1,800 ground service vehicles. The 140,000-square-foot facility, scheduled to open in 2027, will provide United's maintenance team, comprising more than 130 employees, with essential tools and space for tasks such as battery charging, metal fabrication, and electronic controls monitoring.

The project also aligns with United’s commitment to environmental sustainability, as the facility is targeting LEED Silver certification. Key improvements compared to the existing 40-year-old facility include a 25% increase in repair space, 60% more shop space, and 80% added storage capacity. Additionally, 50% more shared spaces will contribute to greater efficiency.

In addition to the GSE Maintenance Facility, United has unveiled a new $16 million Technical Operations Training Center (TTC) at IAH, further reinforcing its focus on maintaining and expanding its fleet. The 91,000-square-foot TTC will be equipped with training areas for sheet metal and composite work, desktop simulators, and specialized engine maintenance and inspection zones. The center also houses a $6.3 million Move Team Facility, centralizing operations for more than 15 Super Tugs used to transport aircraft across the airfield.

These initiatives are part of United Airlines’ broader ‘United Next’ strategy, which includes a significant fleet upgrade, customer experience improvements, and a strong focus on sustainability and workforce growth. The strategy aims to introduce more than 500 new narrow-body aircraft by 2026, boosting seats per domestic departure by nearly 30%, while reducing carbon emissions per seat.

Phil Griffith, Vice President of Airport Operations at United Airlines, emphasized the company’s commitment to investing in both infrastructure and its workforce, stating, “At United, we believe that investing in our people and our facilities is the key to maintaining our leadership in the aviation industry. With these new facilities, Ground Service Equipment Maintenance Facility and the Technical Operations Training Center, we are enhancing our ability to maintain a world-class fleet while empowering our employees with cutting-edge tools and training.”

The new GSE and TTC facilities are part of a broader investment strategy that also includes United’s $1.2 billion Terminal B renovation and expansion project at IAH. This expansion will introduce 40 gates designed to accommodate larger aircraft, increasing capacity by 40%. Expected to be completed by 2026, the expansion will significantly enhance passenger experience for both domestic and international flights.

In support of this expansion, Granite has secured an $89 million subcontract for the Terminal B renovation, ensuring that the facility is ready to handle future growth as part of United’s ambitious plans for the coming years.

These investments in infrastructure and workforce development underscore United’s commitment to Houston as a central hub for its operations and its broader vision for sustainable growth and efficiency in the aviation industry.

Originally reported by World Construction Network.