United Completes Phase One Expansion of World's Largest Pilot Training Facility

United Airlines has just completed Phase One of its expansion at the world’s largest pilot training facility in Denver.

Facility Expansion
- The center now spans 700,000 sq. ft. across eight buildings — about the size of 12 football fields.
- It houses 86 CAE training devices: 52 full-motion simulators and 34 fixed training devices.
- Capacity has increased to train up to 860 pilots per day, supporting United’s nearly 18,000 active pilots.

Phase Two Plans
- Construction for Phase Two will begin in 2027 on newly acquired land near Denver International Airport.
- The expanded facility is expected to be operational by 2030.

Workforce & Local Impact
- United hired 1,400 people in Denver in 2025 and plans to add 1,300 more in 2026.
- More than 1,600 employees work at the training center across 24 departments.
- In 2025, United pilots generated nearly $40 million in hotel stays in Denver, with spending projected to reach $50 million in 2026.

Strategic Growth
- Since 2016, United has invested $370 million in the training center.
- Denver is United’s fastest-growing hub, with nearly 570 daily departures to over 200 destinations.
- United has hired 9,500 pilots since 2021, including 700 in 2026 alone.

Career Pathways
- Multiple entry routes for pilots:
- First Officer hiring for experienced aviators.
- Aviate® Program for career development.
- United Aviate Academy in Arizona.
- Military Pilot Program, which has already transitioned nearly 600 military pilots since 2024.

This expansion underscores United’s commitment to scaling its operations and ensuring pilot readiness as it grows its global network.