DALLAS - Southwest Airlines Co. (NYSE: NYSE:LUV) has completed a $100 million expansion of its maintenance hangar at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, enhancing its capacity for aircraft servicing. The project, which nearly doubles the hangar's footprint, introduces three additional aircraft bays enabling the airline to service up to five planes concurrently.
The expansion, unveiled today, encompasses a 90,000-square-foot addition to the existing structure and brings more maintenance shops to the site. This development is aimed at supporting the approximately 500 Southwest Technical Operations Employees based in Phoenix. The airline has also improved facilities for its Provisioning and Ground Support Equipment Maintenance Teams, a project that was finished in 2020.
Southwest’s Chief Operating Officer, Andrew Watterson, emphasized the significance of the investment, stating that it equips their Arizona-based workforce with advanced tools and optimized workspaces, which he regards as vital for the airline's future in Phoenix.
In line with sustainability efforts, the expanded hangar has achieved LEED Silver certification, incorporating eco-friendly design features such as recycled building materials and high-reflectance roofing to minimize the environmental impact.
The Phoenix facility is one of several Southwest maintenance bases, with additional locations in Atlanta, Chicago (Midway), Dallas (Love Field), Denver, Houston (Hobby), and Orlando. The airline is also constructing a new hangar at Baltimore/Washington International Airport, expected to open in 2025.
Southwest has been operating at Sky Harbor since January 1982, and today offers up to 220 daily flights to 60 destinations. The airline's local workforce, exceeding 5,400 employees, is actively involved in community engagement, contributing over 10,000 volunteer hours to Arizona organizations in 2023.
Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego expressed gratitude for Southwest's commitment to the city, highlighting the airline's role in community development through expanded operations and volunteerism.
This expansion signifies Southwest's continued investment in its infrastructure to support its operational growth and community engagement efforts.
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