The University of Alaska Fairbanks has bought a hangar at Fairbanks International Airport.

The Fairbanks Daily News-Miner says the university plans to use the hangar for students in its aviation maintenance program. The 20,000-square-foot hangar was purchased for nearly $1.3 million.

UAF has negotiated to purchase the hangar since December. By shifting the UAF Community and Technical College's program to the airport, officials say, it can develop a closer relationship with the aviation industry and broaden its reach.

The aviation program has been seeking a new home for about 20 years.