Latino Professionals in Aerospace (LPA) announced that 16 airlines and 65 exhibitors will participate in the LPA Aerospace Industry Expo 2026, presented by United Airlines, on Sept. 17-18 at the Signia by Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek. The event has expanded to a two-day format to accommodate record attendance and growing demand from employers and job seekers across the aerospace sector.

The expo serves as a major hiring and networking gathering, with recruiting teams from leading airlines conducting interviews and hosting career presentations. United Airlines acts as the title sponsor, continuing its support as a major sponsor over the past three years. The expansion reflects LPA’s evolution since launching in 2023, with attendance nearly doubling each year; the 2025 event attracted more than 2,600 attendees.

Participating Airlines

Sixteen airlines are confirmed participants in the expo, providing direct access to recruitment opportunities. The participating carriers include:

Anel Ruiz, Managing Director of People Impact at United Airlines, stated that the partnership focuses on investing in people and the future of aviation by connecting employers, students, and professionals. "By bringing together employers, students and professionals from across the industry, we’re helping create connections that can change careers and strengthen aerospace for years to come," Ruiz said.

Event Growth and Mission

In 2025, LPA expanded its mission beyond pilots to include engineers, maintenance professionals, technicians, students, and other professionals across the aerospace ecosystem. This year’s theme, RISE, celebrates opportunity and professional growth within the Latino aerospace community. Claudia Zapata-Cardone, President of Latino Professionals in Aerospace, emphasized the impact of these connections on individual careers and industry representation.

Attendees can also participate in the LPA Member Town Hall and Welcome Reception on Sept. 17, and the LPA Aerospace Gala on Sept. 18. The gala will recognize scholarship recipients and celebrate achievements across the industry. Registration and bundled packages are available through the organization’s website.

United Airlines and the U.S. Department of Transportation announced a landmark capital investment program of more than $20 billion to transform Washington Dulles International Airport. This initiative aims to reshape the airport into a modern, world-class gateway over the next decade, reflecting the global reach of the nation's capital while enhancing the experience for millions of travelers.

The Airports Authority and United will partner on this transformation to reshape many aspects of the Dulles journey. New and modernized facilities are designed to create a smoother, more efficient, and elevated experience from curb to gate. A key component of the project is preserving architect Eero Saarinen's iconic Main Terminal design amidst the extensive upgrades.

Project Scope and Timeline

The investment program spans a ten-year period, focusing on comprehensive infrastructure improvements. The collaboration between United Airlines and the U.S. Department of Transportation targets significant enhancements in passenger flow and facility modernization.

Strategic Impact

This transformation addresses the need for modernized infrastructure at a critical national hub. By investing more than $20 billion, the stakeholders aim to maintain Washington Dulles International Airport's status as a premier global gateway. The focus on efficiency from curb to gate directly impacts daily operations and long-term capacity planning.

What the Numbers Show

The scale of the $20 billion investment underscores the strategic importance of Washington Dulles International Airport. Such a substantial capital commitment over a decade indicates a long-term vision for infrastructure resilience and passenger experience enhancement. The preservation of the Main Terminal design alongside modernization efforts suggests a balanced approach to heritage conservation and functional upgrade.