Aviation

Protective, high-performance structures for aircraft and airport operations

Aircraft Shelter Solutions for Storage, Maintenance, Repair, and Airport Operations

Airports, fixed-base operators (FBOs), and commercial fleets require infrastructure that protects valuable aircraft while supporting maintenance, storage, expansion, and day-to-day operations. Keeping aircraft protected and airport facilities operating efficiently requires building solutions that can be deployed quickly, perform reliably, and adapt as aviation needs evolve.

Big Top designs and manufactures custom-engineered, American-made tension fabric structures that provide high-performance, cost-effective alternatives to traditional construction. Designed for aircraft storage, maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO), airport expansion, warehousing, temporary space, and protective shelter needs, our structures deliver clear-span interiors, weather-resistant protection, and rapid installation to help optimize workflows and maximize aircraft availability.

With scalable designs, predictable lead times, and durable weather protection, Big Top aviation structures help airports, FBOs, and aviation facilities expand capacity, improve operational efficiency, protect valuable aircraft and equipment, and adapt to changing fleet and facility requirements.

4 Reasons Fabric Makes Sense for Airplane Hangars

Fabric Structures Engineered for Aviation Operations

Aviation operations require adaptable infrastructure that protects aircraft and equipment, expands capacity, and supports efficient airport, MRO, and fleet operations.

Sunshade

Protect aircraft from excessive heat, UV exposure, and weather while reducing cabin temperatures, improving crew comfort, and maintaining open access to aircraft.

View Use Case

Warehouse

Accommodate aircraft storage, aviation equipment, parts, inventory, ground support equipment, and supplies in scalable, weather-resistant space supporting airport and commercial fleet operations.

View Use Case

Aircraft Hangar

Support maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) with clear-span, weather-resistant space for aircraft inspections, maintenance, repairs, servicing, and storage.

View Use Case

Swing Space

Add rapidly deployable space during airport expansions, hangar renovations, construction projects, fleet changes, or other temporary capacity needs without the delays of permanent construction.

View Use Case

Not sure which structure fits your aviation operation?

Big Top can help identify the right structure based on your aircraft, operational requirements, and facility objectives.

Talk to an Expert

Challenges Aviation Organizations Face

Airports and aviation facilities require infrastructure that protects valuable assets while supporting maintenance, operational efficiency, and long-term performance.

Aircraft Protection: Aircraft are continuously exposed to heat, UV radiation, wind, precipitation, and other environmental conditions that can impact appearance, performance, and maintenance costs.
Maintenance and Repair Requirements: Maintenance, inspections, and repair activities require spacious, protected environments that improve workflow and technician productivity.
Aircraft Hangar Capacity: Growing fleets and increasing operational demands often require additional aircraft hangars, storage capacity, and maintenance space.
Operating Cost Pressures: Facilities must improve efficiency while controlling construction costs, maintenance expenses, and long-term operating budgets.
Weather and Environmental Exposure: Reliable aircraft protection helps reduce weather-related deterioration while improving aircraft availability and operational readiness.

Big Top structures help address these challenges through rapidly deployable, cost-effective aircraft shelter solutions engineered for long-term performance.

open-insulated-lighting-warehouse-storage

Aircraft Hangars for Maintenance, Repair, and Protective Storage

The Aviation market requires facilities that protect valuable aircraft while supporting efficient maintenance, repair, and inspection activities. Traditional hangars often require lengthy project timelines and significant capital investment before becoming operational.

Big Top fabric hangars provide rapidly deployable, clear-span environments supporting aircraft storage, aircraft maintenance hangars, repair operations (MRO), and protective shelter applications. With minimal site preparation and scalable designs, aviation facilities can quickly expand capacity while maintaining operational efficiency and protecting valuable aviation assets.

These environments are commonly supported by Aircraft Hangar and Sunshade structures, providing adaptable infrastructure that protects aircraft, supports maintenance operations, and helps keep aviation assets ready for service.

A Smarter Alternative to Traditional Construction

Protect aircraft with fabric hangars that expand operational capacity faster and more cost-effectively than traditional hangars.

Rapid Installation: Bring aircraft storage and maintenance facilities online significantly faster than conventional construction.
Clear-Span Design: Maximize usable space for aircraft maneuvering, maintenance activities, and operational workflows.
Cost-Effective Expansion: Reduce facility costs while supporting growing aviation operations.
Weather-Resistant Protection: Help shield aircraft, equipment, and personnel from heat, UV exposure, wind, and severe weather.
Adaptable Infrastructure: Expand, relocate, or reconfigure facilities as aviation requirements evolve.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Big Top structures an alternative to traditional aircraft hangars?

Yes. Big Top fabric aircraft hangars provide a cost-effective alternative while offering clear-span interiors, custom door configurations, engineered environmental performance, and rapid installation for aircraft storage, maintenance, repair, overhaul, and other aviation operations.

Do aviation structures help protect aircraft from weather and UV exposure?

Absolutely. Aircraft hangars and sunshades help protect aircraft from UV exposure, heat, precipitation, wind, and other environmental conditions that can increase maintenance requirements and reduce aircraft availability.

Can Big Top aircraft hangars be equipped like conventional hangars?

Yes. Aircraft hangars can incorporate HVAC, high-bay LED lighting, large aircraft doors, electrical service, ventilation, insulation, and other building systems that support aircraft storage, maintenance, and MRO operations.