Following nearly $600 million in renovations to its LAX terminal, United Airlines recently broke ground on a new $352 million technical operations facility at Los Angeles International Airport.
This investment brings United’s total spending at LAX to nearly $1 billion and is expected to have a meaningful economic impact in the region. United estimates the construction phase will generate more than 800 jobs, and once finished the facility will employ over 500 United staff members to support day-to-day operations.
The Technical Operations Center is designed to give United a higher degree of control and responsiveness for its fleet based at LAX. The plan includes two connected buildings that consolidate work currently performed across separate sites. The primary building will house ground equipment, facility maintenance operations, and a line maintenance hangar. That hangar will include an engine support shop specifically configured to service United’s Boeing 787 Dreamliner fleet. By integrating two existing facilities that are now about 1.5 miles apart, United aims to improve efficiency, reduce transit times for aircraft and personnel, and streamline maintenance workflows.
Greg Hart, United’s Chief Operating Officer, said the investment underscores the airline’s commitment to Los Angeles and to its role as a global carrier based in California. He highlighted the local job creation during construction and the long-term employment opportunities the center will provide once it opens.
In addition to the LAX project, United is investing in maintenance and technical facilities at other hub airports, including projects at Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) and Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD). These upgrades are part of a broader strategy to modernize the airline’s infrastructure, support fleet reliability, and enhance operational resilience across its network.
By centralizing technical operations at LAX, United expects to accelerate turnaround times for routine checks and repairs, keep more aircraft in service, and improve overall customer experience through fewer delays related to maintenance. The centralized facility will also allow for better coordination between maintenance teams and ground operations, creating safer and more predictable workflows.
The new center’s features—modern maintenance bays, specialized engine support for Dreamliners, and consolidated support services—reflect industry trends toward more integrated and capable technical facilities. Those trends prioritize rapid troubleshooting, parts availability, and the ability to perform a wider range of maintenance tasks on-site rather than relying on off-site facilities or lengthy ferry flights for repairs.
United’s nearly $1 billion investment at LAX aligns with other airport infrastructure improvements in Los Angeles and supports broader economic benefits, including construction employment, ongoing technical jobs, and increased operational capacity for the airline at one of its major West Coast gateways.