Houston has a new training hub for pilots. Texas Southern University opened its 20,000-square-foot hangar at Ellington Airport.
The new facility serves as a satellite campus for TSU’s Aviation Program, giving students direct access to modern aircraft and real-world training environments.
The project was first announced in 2023 through a partnership between TSU, the City of Houston and the Houston Airport System. The City of Houston invested $5.5 million to build the facility.
“This is how we grow a city in the right way — by investing in workforce development, aligning education with industry and making sure our residents are prepared to lead in the industries of tomorrow,” said Houston City Councilwoman Carolyn Evans-Shabazz in a press release.
Inside the Hangar
The facility houses TSU’s fleet of 12 Cirrus SR20 aircraft, acquired last year through state and alumni funding. The SR20 is widely used in collegiate flight education and is equipped with advanced safety technology that helps students train with confidence.
The facility also features classroom and office space that will support on-site instruction and future coursework tied to TSU’s developing aerospace engineering program.
Industry Partnerships
TSU’s aviation program is already connected to major industry partners. United has provided scholarships to TSU students since 2022, and the university joined United’s Aviate pilot pipeline program in 2024, creating a direct pathway for students to become United First Officers. TSU also has similar partnerships with Southwest Airlines and Delta.
The partnership also helps support growing workforce demand as United expands its Houston presence with its $2.5 billion Terminal B project at George Bush Intercontinental Airport, expected to open later this year.
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“Houston put a man on the moon — and Texas Southern is going to put the next generation of aviators, engineers, and astronauts into the sky right alongside that legacy,” said TSU Board of Regents Chairman James Benham.
Learn more about Houston’s Aviation industry.