W.E. O'Neil-Nibbi Joint Venture Lands SFO Superbay Hangar Renovation Project

San Francisco International Airport (SFO) has selected the W.E. O’Neil–Nibbi Joint Venture to deliver their Superbay Hangar Renovation Project. This joint venture partners W.E. O’Neil Construction, a national general contractor with extensive aviation and aircraft hangar experience, and Nibbi, a Bay Area-based general contractor with a long history of work at SFO. The project will be delivered alongside Project Delivery Partner (PDP) HCI/InnoActive Joint Venture.

The approximately $132 million progressive design-build project will modernize one of SFO’s most significant aviation facilities while maintaining critical airport operations throughout construction. The project includes everything from programming through construction and commissioning. 

The project supports the broader goals of SFO’s REACH (Revenue Enhancement and Customer Hospitality) Program, which provides a framework for enhancing the passenger experience while supporting operational efficiency and the Airport’s long-term growth. While the Superbay operates behind the scenes, reliable aircraft maintenance and operations play an important role in keeping aircraft safe, functional, and moving efficiently, ultimately supporting the experience of passengers throughout SFO.

RENEWING A LANDMARK AVIATION FACILITY

The SFO Superbay, originally constructed in 1969, is one of only two remaining Superbay hangars in the United States and a critical part of the Airport’s aircraft maintenance infrastructure. Designed on a massive scale, the facility can accommodate up to four wide-body aircraft simultaneously, supporting United Airlines operations on the north side of the hangar and American Airlines operations on the south.

The renovation will modernize the aging facility and enhance its performance for years to come. Improvements will include the hangar’s roof and building envelope, structural and building systems, fire-life-safety systems, aircraft doors, elevators, ADA accessibility, and photovoltaic systems. Significant electrical infrastructure upgrades will also increase power capacity to support the facility’s long-term operational needs.

Throughout the renovation, the Superbay will remain operational, adding another layer of complexity to an already significant modernization effort. Work will be coordinated around active aircraft maintenance and movement, allowing United and American to continue utilizing the facility while these critical improvements are completed.

BUILDING THE RIGHT TEAM

The W.E. O’Neil–Nibbi Joint Venture brings together the experience required for a project as unique as the Superbay Hangar. W.E. O’Neil contributes extensive national aviation experience and specialized expertise delivering large-scale aircraft hangars and maintenance facilities, while Nibbi brings decades of experience at SFO and a deep understanding of the Airport’s operations, stakeholders, processes, and progressive design-build delivery.

“The Superbay Hangar Renovation reflects the kind of complex aviation projects where collaboration, technical expertise, and thoughtful planning make the greatest impact,” said Mike Byrne, Regional President of W.E. O’Neil Construction. “Together with Nibbi, we're excited to partner with SFO to modernize this critical facility while supporting uninterrupted airport operations.”

The same collaborative approach extends to the project’s design and technical partners. FSB Architects + Engineers will lead the design, bringing extensive aviation experience that includes ongoing work on the Superbay Hangar at LAX, with Paulett Taggart Architects (PTA) serving as Associate Architect and providing additional SFO expertise. The team also includes Buehler Engineering and Ryan Joyce Structural Design (RJSD) for structural engineering; AEI Consultants for specialized aviation-facility expertise; LEAN for electrical infrastructure; ASSA ABLOY for specialized hangar-door systems; and Stok for sustainability.

RJSD brings direct experience with the SFO Superbay from prior structural work at the facility, while LEAN contributes critical knowledge of SFO’s electrical infrastructure and power distribution network. Together, the integrated team combines national aviation expertise, specialized technical knowledge, and firsthand experience at SFO and with the Superbay itself.

“We’re proud to partner with W.E. O’Neil to deliver the SFO Superbay project,” said Robert Nibbi, President & CEO of Nibbi. “SFO has been an important part of Nibbi’s history, and we’re eager to bring our deep knowledge of the Airport, how SFO operates, and our progressive design-build experience to this project. Combined with W.E. O’Neil’s extensive aviation and maintenance hangar expertise, our team brings complementary strengths that will help us deliver a facility that supports reliable aircraft operations and ultimately a better experience for the passengers who rely on SFO.”

PLANNING SAFE CONSTRUCTION IN AN ACTIVE AIRPORT ENVIRONMENT

Using a progressive design-build delivery method will allow SFO, United Airlines, American Airlines, the design-build team, and key trade partners to come together early to align on project priorities, operational requirements, safety considerations, and design and construction decisions. This collaborative approach is especially valuable as the Superbay will remain operational throughout the renovation. The W.E. O’Neil–Nibbi team will plan improvements around active aircraft maintenance and movement while addressing constructability, phasing, cost, schedule, and long-term facility performance.

Through ongoing stakeholder engagement, the project will advance with a shared focus on safety, continued hangar operations, and delivering a modernized facility that supports SFO, its airline partners, and the passengers they serve for years to come.

Programming is anticipated to begin in Fall 2026, with final completion anticipated in Summer 2029.