The Economic Development Corporation of Utah (EDCUtah), Salt Lake City, and the Utah Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity (GOEO) are pleased to announce that Delta recently broke ground on a new pilot training facility in Salt Lake City, Utah. The new 47,000-square-foot facility is anticipated to bring upwards of $120 million in capital investment to the region.  

“For decades, Delta has been an exemplary corporate citizen, employing thousands of Utahns, becoming the backbone of the Salt Lake City International Airport, and giving back to our community in so many ways,” said Utah Governor Spencer Cox. “This new state-of-the-art training facility only underscores Delta’s solid commitment to Utah, and we’re so grateful for their continued investment in our state and our people.”

Located next to Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC), this is Delta’s first significant training facility investment outside of its Atlanta headquarters, which opened its first pilot training facility in 1968. Big-D Construction, an EDCUtah Builder’s Circle Investor, is contracted to build the facility for Delta.

“This state-of-the-art training facility represents our dedication to running the world's best airline, with the world's best pilots, ensuring full capacity and unmatched performance,” said John Laughter, E.V.P. and Chief of Operations. “As we expand our operations, Salt Lake City plays a pivotal role as a core hub within our network.”

Upon completion in 2025, the Salt Lake City facility will have capacity for 10 simulators, beginning with four simulators at its opening. The new facility will boost Delta’s training capacity, bringing it closer to pilots in western hubs, enabling faster and more efficient integration into the workforce without compromising its commitment to safety. The new facility will support good-paying jobs that includes pilots, flight instructors, pilot trainees, and IT specialists, among other support positions. This project will also have an impact on the local economy by bringing in a steady rotation of pilots for training which will benefit the hotel, lodging, recreation, and restaurant industries.

“We’re so grateful to have Delta as a decades-long partner,” said Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall. “Their commitment to Salt Lake City and the 5,000 employees who live here is evident every time we break ground or open a new project. These exciting investments in our capital city will make it easier for many who live here to see the world, while creating world-class facilities they can be proud of when they return.”

“We are excited to see Delta Air Lines expanding operations into Utah beyond their already significant global air service presence,” said Scott Cuthbertson, president and CEO of EDCUtah. “Today, 5400 Delta employees call the Beehive state home, making it a top ten employer here and one that continues investing in our state’s economic success.”

Colby Cooley, senior vice president of operations, led Project Bastion for EDCUtah.  

Investors: If you were involved in this project and would like to add your organization to this announcement, please email connect@edcutah.org.

‍