The Port of Portland approved on Apr. 8 a ground lease for Alaska Airlines to build a new maintenance operations hangar at Portland International Airport (PDX). The $135 million project is expected to create more than 100 living-wage jobs and generate nearly $2 million in annual state and local taxes.
The new facility is seen as an important step for both the airport and the airline, supporting economic growth in the region. It will provide opportunities for local maintenance workers, engineers, and service professionals while also boosting tax revenue.
“PDX is a job-generating, economic powerhouse, fueling the Port’s work to create good-paying opportunities that support families, growth, and connection,” said Dan Pippenger, Chief Aviation Officer at the Port of Portland. “The new hangar embodies our strong partnership with Alaska, and our mutual commitment to making our region a place where everyone can thrive. It’s a smart investment in our local talent that’s sure to boost our region’s economy and strengthen our future.”
In addition to permanent positions created by the project, more than 200 construction workers will be needed during development. Construction spending over nearly two years is projected to add about $8.7 million in state and local taxes.
Alaska Airlines currently has more than 2,900 employees in the Portland area serving its own operations as well as those of Horizon Air and Hawaiian Airlines. The airline operates 62 nonstop destinations from PDX.
Once completed, the new hangar will work alongside Alaska’s existing Horizon Air facility at PDX. The maintenance center aims to enable faster recovery for out-of-service aircraft and further establish PDX as a key West Coast hub for Alaska Airlines into the future.
Groundbreaking on the project is expected in summer 2026.
