United Installs B787 Sim for Expanding Training Center

United Airlines plans to recruit thousands of new employees and is investing in new training technology, such as the addition of a Boeing 787 Dreamliner simulator, to support the expansion of its Flight Training Center (FTC) in Denver, Colorado. The expansion is part of the airline’s commitment to become Denver’s largest private employer.

United has hired 400 new employees since its announcement of the expansion to the FTC in January 2022. The airline now plans to hire more than 1,500 Colorado natives by 2024.

With the addition of the first 787 simulator, which was delivered and installed for $25 million, the airline was able to create new positions at the FTC. According to CBS News, United Airlines placed the largest aircraft order in airline history, with at least 100 Boeing 787 aircraft ordered, with options for an additional 100 aircraft.

"What that means for us is that between now and the end of the decade we will take delivery of a new airplane every three days. And that is a mix of Boeing 737s, Boeing 787s and Airbus A-321s," George Gamaldi, managing director of Flight Training, told CBS News.

The expansion project is expected to be completed before the end of 2023.