Texas-Based LeTourneau University Advances US$14 Million Aviation Training Center Expansion

Texas, USA – LeTourneau University, a US university aviation training provider, is progressing with the expansion of its Paul & Betty Abbott Aviation Center at East Texas Regional Airport in Longview, Texas. The development will increase aircraft hangar capacity, aviation laboratories and flight simulation facilities following enrollment growth that has exceeded the existing center's planned capacity.

• The project carries an estimated construction cost of US$14 million, according to a Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation filing, covering approximately 29,000 square feet of renovation and addition work. The original project registration lists December 15, 2026, as the anticipated completion date.
• The planned expansion includes:
  • 5 new aviation training laboratories
  • 16,000-square-foot aircraft hangar
  • Additional covered aircraft parking
  • Covered outdoor aviation learning laboratory
  • Expanded flight operations and flight simulation areas
  • Additional student study and lounge facilities
  • 55-foot elevated observation deck
• The existing Abbott Aviation Center comprises approximately 55,500 square feet, including four classrooms, nine aviation laboratories and a 3,350-square-foot flight training operations area. The expansion will provide additional infrastructure for professional pilot training, aircraft maintenance education and practical aviation instruction.
• LeTourneau University has stated that available teaching and aircraft operating space has become a constraint on accepting additional aviation students. The project forms part of its wider Build with Purpose capital development campaign, with construction beginning in 2025.
• The September 30, 2026 construction progress report confirms that the hangar, laboratory, corridor and vestibule concrete slabs have been completed. Structural steel installation and prefabricated metal building assembly are underway, alongside foundation work for the covered outdoor learning laboratory and construction of the elevator shaft. Contractor Transet Company reported 10,770 cumulative on-site labor hours as of the reporting date.

About LeTourneau University
LeTourneau University is a private Christian university established in 1946 and headquartered in Longview, Texas, offering aviation degree programs through its College of Aviation & Aeronautical Science. Its aviation training activities began in 1956 and include FAA Part 141-approved private, instrument and commercial pilot training, alongside FAA Part 147-approved aircraft maintenance education. Its professional flight program uses Cessna 172 Skyhawk, American Champion Citabria and Piper PA-44 Seminole aircraft, supported by flight simulation facilities at East Texas Regional Airport.

Source: LeTourneau University