Selects Colorado Over Sites In Houston And Chicago

United Airlines has selected Denver as the expansion city for its global flight training center operations. The company notified Denver, as well as Houston and Chicago, which were also in the running, that it had completed its process to choose a city for the consolidation of its training centers.

“The decision by United Airlines to locate their entire training facility here is a testament to the region’s standing as a hub of innovation and prosperity,” Denver Mayor Michael Hancock said in a news release. “With this expansion, we will strengthen our global partnership with this major international carrier and sharpen DIA’s competitive edge in global aviation. With this expansion, we keep 400 residents employed and grow 225 more job opportunities. Denver is the one when it comes to a great quality of life in a city that is open for business, and I want to thank United as well as our partners for building on this collaborative relationship.”

The expansion supports the retention of 400 existing jobs at the training center as well as the addition of at least 225 new, high-paying jobs. The company plans to make a significant capital investment totaling approximately $40 million at the Stapleton site. This investment will catapult development of the nearby Central Park Station transit-oriented development, activating a key location on the Corridor of Opportunity.

“Today's announcement by United Airlines is another testament about the great things that can happen when the State collaborates with local economic development offices to promote Colorado's exceptional business climate to companies throughout the world,” said Gov. John Hickenlooper. “Colorado continues to attract and retain innovative companies because of our highly educated workforce, access to capital and our unmatched quality of life. Just today, CNBC ranked Colorado as the 4th best state for business, and we continue to have one of the fastest growing economies in the U.S. We are thrilled that United Airlines has chosen Colorado for their training facility, and we know that they will find much success here.”

This agreement reflects another indication of United’s commitment to DIA, Denver and the entire region. Last year, the City and County of Denver signed an agreement with United to extend the carrier’s lease through 2035 and retain the size of their operation, relative to their system. This move exemplifies their partnership and their investment in the future of their Denver hub at DIA.

“United Airlines has been our valued and longtime partner, who committed to a lease extension that will maintain its presence at DIA through at least 2035,” said airport CEO Kim Day. “United’s decision to consolidate its training operations in Denver is a further commitment to the Denver market and a significant investment in the future of DIA as a valuable hub.”

The City and County of Denver and the State of Colorado worked diligently, over many months, to compete for the site selection of the expanded training center. Denver submitted a robust proposal, which was a collective and comprehensive effort involving multiple city agencies, the state, DIA and other partners. Denver’s proposal included $4 million of financial incentives, pending approval from Denver City Council.

In a letter sent to United employees today, Senior Vice President of Flight Operations Howard Attarian said, “We have made the decision to locate our consolidated Flight Training Center in Denver. After much consideration, renovating the existing Denver facility emerged as the best choice over building a new facility or renovating the Houston facility because 1) it is the most cost-effective option, with lower capital expense, 2) it allows us to be up and running as much as two years sooner than planned and 3) it minimizes the disruption to our operation.”

In addition to job creation and capital investment, the expansion will have a significant impact on the local economy. All of United’s pilots will visit the center annually to complete training. A total of 69,000 business travel nights are estimated to result from these training visits—thus serving as an important business visitor anchor in Stapleton and throughout Denver.

“This is a big win for Denver’s business climate and our culture of innovation,” said Paul Washington, executive director of the Denver Office of Economic Development. “It’s great to see a longtime leading employer expand here, providing broader opportunities for other businesses, residents and the healthy growth of our greater community.”

(Images from file)

FMI: www.unitedcontinentalholdings.com