United Airlines Unveils Growth Plans and Expands Operations in Denver

Let the speculation begin!

United Airlines has confirmed it bought 113 acres of land for $33 million in Denver, according to Reuters.

That much is known. What is unknown is what the airline plans to do with all of that space. An airline spokesperson did say it plans to expand its pilot training facility. But whether it plans to expand its presence at Denver International Airport remains to be seen.

Asked if it was possible that United could move its headquarters from Chicago to Denver, a spokesperson said “The land in Denver gives us options for the future as we implement our big plans to grow.”

Denver was where CEO Scott Kirby flew last month on a private jet for a meeting when his original United Airlines flight was canceled. United said it has a need to expand its pilot training facility.

“Beyond that, it’s prudent for any large company to take advantage of opportunities to buy land in its key cities when the opportunity arises – so we didn’t want to miss this opportunity in Denver,” the airline said.

United was quick to point out that it employs more than 10,000 people at its pilot training facility.

But United has more than 400 daily flights from DIA, the most of any airline. It’s possible that United could use Denver as its west coast hub. And it wouldn’t be unusual for a major corporation to leave Chicago. Both Boeing and Caterpillar relocated its respective corporate headquarters from Chicago less than two years ago.