Port approves lease for major Alaska Airlines maintenance hangar at PDX

Today, the Port of Portland approved a ground lease for Alaska Airlines to build a new maintenance operations hanger at Portland International Airport (PDX). The landmark $135 million investment is slated to create more than 100 living-wage jobs for local maintenance workers, engineers, and service professionals, with operations generating nearly $2 million in future state and local taxes annually.

"PDX is a job-generating, economic powerhouse, fueling the Port’s work to create good-paying opportunities that support families, growth, and connection," said Port of Portland Chief Aviation Officer Dan Pippenger. "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 the over 100 permanent positions created by the new Alaska hangar at PDX, more than 200 construction workers will be needed to bring the project to life. The construction spending is expected to add an estimated $8.7 million in state and local taxes over the course of the nearly two-year project.

Alaska Airlines is an essential PDX partner, with 62 nonstop destinations and more than 2,900 current employees in the Portland region serving Alaska Airlines, Horizon Air, and Hawaiian Airlines. 

Alaska’s new hangar will serve its operations in concert with the airline’s existing Horizon Air hangar at PDX. Once completed, the maintenance facility will enable faster recovery for out-of-service aircraft, solidifying PDX as a key West Coast hub for Alaska for decades to come.

Groundbreaking for the new Alaska Airlines hangar is expected in summer 2026.