(Reuters) - United Airlines on Friday said it is spending $33 million to buy 113 acres (46 hectares) in Denver as part of its growth strategy.

The Chicago-based U.S. airline said it plans to use "part of this land as the site for the expansion of our world-class Denver pilot training facility."

Asked if United could use the land to move its corporate headquarters, a United spokeswoman said, "The land in Denver gives us options for the future as we implement our big plans to grow."

United is acquiring two parcels, including one just outside Denver International Airport with access to its Flight Training Center.

United added that it has "been in Chicago for decades and have thousands of employees here" and that the airline has an immediate need to expand its Flight Training Center.

"Beyond that, it’s prudent for any large company to take advantage of opportunities to buy land in its key cities when the opportunity arises – so we didn’t want to miss this opportunity in Denver," the airline said.