California Construction News staff writer
San Francisco International Airport (SFO) has selected the W.E. O’Neil–Nibbi Joint Venture to deliver an approximately $132 million renovation of its Superbay Hangar.
The progressive design-build project will modernize the airport’s aging aircraft maintenance facility while keeping it operational throughout construction. The scope covers programming, design, construction and commissioning, with Project Delivery Partner HCI/InnoActive Joint Venture supporting delivery.
The Superbay was constructed in 1969 and is one of only two remaining Superbay hangars in the United States. The massive facility can accommodate up to four wide-body aircraft at the same time, with United Airlines operating on the north side and American Airlines on the south.
The renovation will address the hangar’s roof and building envelope, structural and building systems, fire and life safety systems, aircraft doors, elevators and accessibility. The project also includes photovoltaic systems and significant electrical infrastructure upgrades intended to increase the facility’s power capacity.
Keeping the hangar operational during construction will require work to be coordinated around active aircraft maintenance and movement.
The project is part of SFO’s broader REACH (Revenue Enhancement and Customer Hospitality) program, which provides a framework for airport improvements aimed at supporting operational efficiency and long-term growth.
W.E. O’Neil brings national aviation and aircraft-hangar experience to the joint venture, while Bay Area-based Nibbi has extensive experience working at SFO and with the airport’s operations and delivery processes.
“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. “Together with Nibbi, we’re excited to partner with SFO to modernize this critical facility while supporting uninterrupted airport operations.”
The design team includes FSB Architects + Engineers, with Paulett Taggart Architects serving as associate architect. Buehler Engineering and Ryan Joyce Structural Design are providing structural engineering, while AEI Consultants, LEAN, ASSA ABLOY and Stok are contributing specialized aviation, electrical, hangar-door and sustainability expertise.
Several members of the team have previous experience with the Superbay or SFO infrastructure. Ryan Joyce Structural Design has completed structural work at the facility, while LEAN has experience with SFO’s electrical infrastructure and power distribution network.
“We’re proud to partner with W.E. O’Neil to deliver the SFO Superbay project,” said Robert Nibbi, president and 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.”
The renovation is intended to extend the useful life of the 1969 facility while maintaining its role in aircraft maintenance operations at one of the country’s busiest airports.
