Orlando International Airport has today announced that United Airlines has broken ground for a new state-of-the-art maintenance complex at Orlando International Airport. The $315 million project is part of a landmark agreement between United and MCO.
On Thursday (March 27, 2025), Orlando International Airport (MCO) announced that United Airlines has broken ground for a new state-of-the art maintenance facility at the airport. This $315 million project is part of a landmark agreement between the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority (GOAA) and United Airlines, one of the airport’s longstanding customers. The 354,400 square-foot maintenance campus will feature two hangars, a warehouse, shops, offices, work areas, and staff parking facilities. The complex will have the flexibility to accommodate up to six narrowbody aircraft at once, or one widebody aircraft and three narrowbody aircraft simultaneously. United’s new Technical Operations complex at MCO is scheduled to open in late 2027.
In Thursday’s announcement, United’s SVP – Tech Ops, Planning and Strategy, Kirk Limacher, said,
“Modernizing our footprint at Orlando International Airport will help support the needs of our growth strategy while also bringing our maintenance team closer together. Orlando’s ideal location enables us to route aircraft while minimizing ferry expense, ensuring we continue to operate efficiently and dependably.”
Also commenting on the new maintenance complex, the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority’s CEO, Kevin J. Thibault, said,
“United’s new state-of-the-art Technical Operations complex represents a transformative investment in the region, while creating new development opportunity for the airport. This project will provide development-ready land with direct ramp and airside access. This type of real estate is a limited resource and is valuable for future aeronautical development at MCO.”
The Greater Orlando Aviation Authority Board’s Chairman, Tim Meisheyer, added,
“This new development represents the power of collaboration between the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority and United Airlines, one of the nation’s most established legacy carriers. As we continue to grow and innovate, this project perfectly aligns with our Aviation Authority’s Strategic Plan, which emphasizes fostering a culture of multi-industry innovation. United’s significant investment will not only enhance our airport’s capabilities but also strengthen the region’s position as a leader in aviation, creating lasting benefits for the community and industry alike.”
Rendering of United's New Technical Operations Complex at Orlando International Airport - Courtesy MCO/United Airlines
United’s new Technical Operations complex will be located on Tradeport Drive, on the west side of the airport property, where the carrier currently operates one of two hangars. Once completed, the facility will support United’s Orlando Tech Ops team of over 1,000 professionals on a single campus, replacing multiple facilities the airline currently occupies at MCO. United will continue to operate their existing facilities during construction. When the relocation to the new campus is complete, the carrier will vacate their current warehouse, followed by the demolition of the original 1954 hangar. United Airlines operates the largest mainline fleet in the world, and currently offers over 40 daily departures from Orlando International Airport.
Source: Orlando International Airport