Progress flying along on United’s new MRO hangar

United Airlines’ new Maintenance, Repair and Operations hangar is well underway on the east side of Tampa International Airport’s property, with crews busily hoisting the structure’s massive steel frame into place.

The $33 million project, which broke ground in June, consists of a 67,000 square-foot hangar that can accommodate three aircraft, a 160,000 square-foot apron and a new office building.

Construction is expected to wrap up later this summer.

The state-of-the-art maintenance hangar facility that will enable United to provide service for its Boeing 737 series of aircraft while allowing the company to schedule more routine maintenance work.

The project has already created more than 40 new aircraft maintenance technician positions and is expected to bring 125 new construction jobs. The new hangar facility will incorporate LEED and Florida Green Building Coalition sustainable design elements including increased energy efficiency, reduced water consumption, light pollution reduction and improved indoor air quality.