The University of North Dakota officially broke ground on its new Flight Operations Center on May 28, marking a significant milestone in the school’s aviation program. UND President Andrew Armacost noted that discussions for the center began before his arrival in 2020. The 28,000-square-foot, $36 million facility aims to modernize outdated technology and alleviate space constraints while providing a new dispatch center, bookstore, private debriefing spaces, and a 16,000-square-foot event area. Leaders from UND, the city of Grand Forks, Grand Forks International Airport, JLG Architects and aviation supporters gathered for the ceremony, with construction set to begin in June and expected to take 18 months.
Dean Robert Kraus emphasized the project’s importance, thanking key donors—including the Seymour Robin Foundation, James C. Ray Foundation, and Clay Lacy—who attended the event. The groundbreaking took place in the main hangar, where UND-branded aircraft served as a backdrop. Kraus noted that once completed, the Flight Operations Center would be the first thing travelers see upon arriving at Grand Forks International Airport, further cementing UND’s role in aviation leadership. Donor Chuck Ahearn praised UND’s aviation program for its excellence and inspiring atmosphere, underscoring its dedication to training future aerospace professionals.
Read an article on the groundbreaking from the Grand Forks Herald: Aviation leaders past and present attend groundbreaking for $36 million UND Flight Operations Center – Grand Forks Herald | Grand Forks, East Grand Forks news, weather & sports
