United Airlines Strengthens Future Fleet Growth With Expanded Denver Pilot Academy Featuring 86 Training Devices

Written By: Ricky Acharjee

Ricky Acharjee

I am travel writer at Travel And Tour World with 3 years of experience covering global tourism, aviation, hospitality, and destination news. Dedicated to accurate reporting and compelling storytelling, Ricky explores the trends, innovations, and developments shaping the international travel industry while delivering engaging insights for travellers and industry professionals.

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August 21, 2026 21:43 GMT+5:30

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United Airlines and CAE have completed the first stage of a major expansion project at the world’s largest pilot training centre, strengthening the airline’s ability to prepare the next generation of aviation professionals. The expansion has added 40 advanced CAE training devices, including both full-motion flight simulators and fixed training systems, since the project began in 2022.

Located in Denver, Colorado, United’s Flight Training Center has now grown into a massive aviation training hub featuring eight dedicated buildings and nearly 700,000 square feet of training space. The facility covers an area comparable to 12 football fields and now houses 86 CAE training devices, including 52 advanced full-motion flight simulators and 34 fixed training devices.

With the expanded infrastructure, United can train as many as 860 pilots every day, supporting the airline’s growing workforce and future operational needs. The carrier currently has nearly 18,000 pilots and expects continued expansion, prompting plans for further development of the training campus.

The second phase of the expansion project is scheduled to begin construction next year, with completion expected before 2030. The additional growth will further increase training capacity and support United’s long-term fleet and network expansion plans.

The completion of phase one was marked by a special event attended by senior leaders from both organisations. United Airlines leadership and CAE executives gathered at the Denver facility to celebrate the milestone and highlight the importance of advanced training infrastructure in modern aviation.

The expanded centre represents a significant investment in pilot development, simulator technology and aviation workforce readiness, helping United maintain a strong pipeline of highly trained flight crews as global air travel demand continues to grow.

“United pilots are the best aviators in the world, and the pace at which our team has completed this project is an example of making investments that support our high standard of excellence,” said Kirby, United’s CEO.

“This expansion reflects the strength of a partnership built over more than four decades,” said Matthew Bromberg, CAE’s President and CEO. “We’re proud to support United with the training technology, expertise and reliability needed to prepare pilots at scale and we look forward to supporting its training needs for years to come.”

United Airlines’ Flight Training Centre in Denver has become the centrepiece of the airline’s global pilot development operations, supporting the training needs of nearly 18,000 active pilots and all newly recruited flight crew members. Located in Denver’s Central Park neighbourhood, the 22-acre facility serves as United’s primary aviation training campus, where pilots complete advanced simulator sessions, qualification programmes and recurring certification training.

Every United pilot undergoes detailed simulator-based instruction with experienced flight instructors and evaluators during their initial qualification process. After joining the airline, pilots return to the Denver facility every nine months for recurrent training to maintain operational standards and certifications.

The training campus features 52 full-motion flight simulators and 34 fixed training devices, allowing United to conduct more than 32,000 training sessions every year. The facility has the capacity to train up to 860 pilots daily and operates around the clock for 362 days annually, ensuring continuous pilot development and readiness.

United is also preparing for the next stage of expansion. After the Denver City Council approved the airline’s rezoning request in July 2026 for two undeveloped parcels near Denver International Airport, United began planning a major expansion project. The airline purchased the land in 2023 and expects construction work on the next phase of the Flight Training Centre to begin in 2027. The expanded facility is projected to become operational around 2030 and will operate alongside the existing Denver training campus.

Major Investment Strengthens United’s Denver Aviation Hub

United Airlines has continued to increase its investment in Denver, reinforcing the city’s position as one of the airline’s most important operational centres. The company invested more than $145 million in a new Flight Training Centre building that opened in 2024.

Following the opening of the new building, United created more than 300 additional employment opportunities. Today, more than 1,600 employees out of United’s 11,400-plus Denver-based workforce are connected with the Flight Training Centre.

These employees represent 24 different departments and support a wide range of aviation operations, including pilot instruction, flight evaluation, scheduling, pilot recruitment, human resources and flight safety standards.

The facility also generates significant economic benefits for the wider Denver economy. In 2025, pilots travelling to Denver for training contributed nearly $40 million in hotel room spending. United expects this figure to rise to almost $50 million in 2026 as training activity continues to increase.

The Flight Training Centre has a long history in Denver aviation. Originally built between 1966 and 1968 as part of the former Stapleton Airport complex, the facility has served as United’s main pilot training location for decades. Since 2016, United has invested approximately $370 million into upgrading and expanding the training campus.

Denver Hub Receives Nearly $1 Billion United Investment

United’s commitment to Denver extends beyond pilot training. The airline continues to invest heavily in improving passenger services and expanding operations at Denver International Airport.

Since 2021, United has directed nearly $1 billion towards enhancing its Denver hub. The investment includes additional airport gates, upgraded United Club facilities, a new check-in lobby and modern passenger experience improvements.

The airline’s Denver operations continue to expand rapidly. United hired more than 1,400 employees in Denver in 2025 and plans to recruit more than 1,300 additional workers in 2026.

United currently operates more flights and carries more passengers in Colorado than any other airline. During the summer schedule, the carrier operates an average of 570 daily departures from Denver International Airport, making it one of the busiest airline operations in the region.

From Denver, United connects travellers to more than 200 destinations worldwide, including over 20 international markets. The extensive network strengthens Denver’s role as a major gateway for domestic and global travel.

United Expands Pilot Career Opportunities Through Multiple Training Pathways

United Airlines continues to position itself as a leading career destination for aviation professionals, supported by one of North America’s largest widebody fleets, an extensive global route network and major US hub operations.

Since launching its United Next growth strategy in 2021, the airline has hired more than 9,500 pilots. In 2026 alone, United has already recruited 700 pilots and expects to hire hundreds more during the year.

The airline provides several routes for aspiring and experienced pilots to join its flight deck.

Experienced aviation professionals can apply through United’s First Officer hiring programme, which is designed for qualified pilots who meet the airline’s recruitment standards and are ready to begin flying commercial operations.

United’s Aviate programme offers a structured career pathway for aspiring pilots and experienced aviators seeking a direct route towards becoming United pilots. The programme provides development opportunities and guidance throughout the pilot journey.

United also operates the United Aviate Academy, its fully owned flight school located in Goodyear, Arizona. The academy provides professional pilot training and supports the airline’s long-term recruitment strategy.

Another key initiative is the United Military Pilot Programme, launched in September 2023. The programme provides full-time active-duty US military pilots with conditional job opportunities to become United First Officers.

Since 2024, nearly 600 military pilots have transitioned to United through the programme, with another 500 expected to join by the end of 2027. Veterans represent a significant part of United’s aviation workforce, with approximately 4,500 veterans among the airline’s nearly 18,000 pilots.

Future Expansion Supports United’s Long-Term Aviation Growth

The expansion of United’s Denver Flight Training Centre reflects the airline’s long-term strategy to prepare for future fleet growth, network expansion and increasing demand for qualified aviation professionals.

By combining advanced simulator technology, large-scale training capacity and multiple pilot development pathways, United is building a stronger foundation for future operations.

The planned expansion near Denver International Airport will provide additional training capability while maintaining the existing facility’s role as a central hub for pilot education and certification.

With continued investment in infrastructure, workforce development and aviation training, United’s Denver operations are set to remain a major force in the airline’s global growth strategy for years ahead.