Southwest Airlines has opened a new airside complex at Denver International Airport (DEN), which includes a large aircraft maintenance hangar and room for offices, training, and warehousing to support the carrier’s Technical Operations Team.
The three-year, 130,000 square foot project cost 100 million USD and will support scheduled overnight maintenance of its fleet of nearly 730 Boeing 737 aircraft.
Mike Van de Ven, Southwest Airlines' President & Chief Operating Officer, said:As we continue to grow and welcome more customers at Denver International Airport, we're laser-focused on the work that happens behind-the-scenes that enables us to provide a great customer experience. This new hangar facility is a critical investment that supports our commitment to maintaining a safe, reliable fleet so we can connect our Denver customers to the people and the places that matter most in their lives.
The new facility at DEN includes space inside the hangar for three Boeing 737s and room for eight additional 737s outdoors. The new complex will also serve as the new base for the carrier’s Denver-based technical operations employees.
Southwest Airline’s Technical Operations Team will begin moving into the facility in the coming weeks. The hangar joins six other Southwest Airlines aircraft maintenance hangars located throughout the country in Atlanta, Chicago (Midway), Dallas (Love Field), Houston (Hobby), Orlando, and Phoenix.
Mayor Michael B. Hancock, said:We're excited to see Southwest Airlines continue to invest in our community and bring high-paying jobs to the region. Southwest's support, both at the airport and throughout our city, is what makes Denver a top place to live and work, as well as make it attractive for both business and leisure travellers to come visit the Mile High City.
Southwest Airlines will move into the first gates of DEN’s 16-gate expansion project on the C concourse within the next few months. Once completed, Southwest will be able to use up to 40 gates at DEN, the most it has at any airport.
