Denver International Airport Reveals Conceptual Renderings of the Center of Equity and Excellence in Aviation

DENVER – Nov. 29, 2022 – Denver International Airport (DEN) is excited to reveal the conceptual renderings for the Center of Equity and Excellence in Aviation (CEEA), a first-of-its-kind training center that will help create a pipeline of aviation talent in Denver and provide under-represented and young people opportunities for future careers in aviation.

“DEN is the biggest economic engine for Colorado, and that comes with a one-of-a-kind opportunity to help fuel the creation of business and career opportunities for those in our community,” Mayor Michael B. Hancock said. “CEEA is a groundbreaking concept that will be instrumental in developing a skilled workforce of the future that will allow our airport to operate effectively and efficiently
during its continued growth.”

CEEA will be constructed within 66,000 square feet of space on Level 4 of the Hotel and Transit Center where there will be easy access to the commuter rail to downtown Denver. The focal point of the space will be the Hall of Equity, which will accommodate 300 people for training and educational purposes. Other adjacent lecture halls and training rooms will accommodate another 200-300 people. There will also be a pre-function and lobby space with a small café for networking and small group meetings.

“CEEA will be the industry model for developing aviation talent. We are committed to providing underrepresented people and businesses opportunities to enter the aviation industry and grow into the leaders of the future,” said DEN CEO Phil Washington. “Through CEEA and our robust programming, we will provide current and future employees the training and tools they need to have a successful career in aviation while helping our small and minority-owned businesses partners grow and thrive.”

CEEA is being designed by Studio Completiva, a minority-owned firm, which was awarded the design contract through Stantec. Sky Blue Builders is the Minority/Women-owned Business Enterprises (MWBE) general contractor for the project. Construction is set to begin in late 2023.

In the meantime, DEN has already started implementing some of the CEEA programming, which includes the following areas:

• Business Development Training Academy: A program that provides small businesses the training and support they need to grow and thrive at DEN. Specifically, the program will provide a systematic approach to entering DEN as a subcontractor in construction, professional services, goods and services, and concessions. Approximately 30 business owners have already completed and graduated from the program as part of the inaugural session held this fall.
• Career Pathways: A program that creates a pipeline of aviation talent through a progressive training model that will attract and retain the current and future workforce. There are many opportunities for students to get involved including DEN Academy, internships, tours and much more. In addition, there are training and development opportunities for our current workforce aimed at building the farm team for the aviation industry.
• Research and Innovation Lab: The lab will be located in the CEEA space and will allow DEN to partner with local universities to conduct aviation research, identify best practices and adapt new and existing technology systems to innovate the aviation industry. We intend to seek out speakers and lecturers focused on presenting current and future aviation trends.

Click here to learn more information about CEEA and its programming.

CEEA is part of the $1.3 billion Great Hall Completion that will build a second Level 6 security checkpoint on the northeast side of the terminal, construct the remaining ticket lobbies on the south end of the terminal and create new meeter/greeter spaces on the south end of Level 5 and near international arrivals. Once the entire Great Hall Project is complete, there will be two security checkpoints on Level 6 as well as new ticketing lobbies for all airlines, providing enhanced security, increased capacity, improved operational efficiencies and
an elevated passenger experience.

To learn more about the Great Hall Project visit the project page. You can also sign up for the project newsletter!

Denver International Airport is one of the busiest airports in the world. DEN is the primary economic engine for the state of Colorado, generating more than $36 billion for the region annually. For more information visit www.FlyDenver.com, check us out on YouTube and Instagram, like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter. Sign up for DEN’s monthly newsletter Nonstop News.

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