American Airlines has donated an auxiliary power unit (APU) to the Aviation Institute of Maintenance (AIM) in Chicago, giving students hands-on access to real aircraft equipment as part of their technical training.<\/p>\n
The equipment will help prepare the school\u2019s more than 400 students \u2013 many of whom aim to become aviation maintenance technicians \u2013 to work on the same types of systems they will encounter in the field after graduation.<\/p>\n
The donated APU previously operated on American Airlines\u2019 McDonnell Douglas MD-80 fleet, completing more than 74,000 take-offs and landings during 29 years of service.<\/p>\n
Mark Miner, American Airlines\u2019 vice president of technical services, said: \u201cThis APU served American and our customers well over the years and we know it will serve students just as well for many more years to come.<\/p>\n
\u201cAs Chicago\u2019s leading global airline, it\u2019s our honour and privilege to support local students on their journey to becoming tomorrow\u2019s aviation maintenance professionals.\u201d<\/p>\n
American Airlines and AIM Chicago\u2019s partnership began in 2022, paving the way for graduates to find rewarding and successful aviation maintenance careers in American Airlines\u2019 hangars.<\/p>\n
American Airlines also donated\u00a0a Pratt & Whitney JT8D engine to the school in 2023 and supported AIM students at annual\u00a0Aerospace Maintenance Council Competitions.<\/p>\n
Several American Airlines frontline team members also attend AIM Chicago, pursuing their FAA Airframe and Powerplant license.<\/p>\n
Jason Pfaff, chief executive of Cotulla, the parent company of the AIM, said: \u201cPartnerships like this are what make the student experience real. When our students can train on the same equipment used in the field, it builds confidence, deepens learning and shortens the distance between the classroom and a career.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re incredibly grateful to American Airlines<\/a> for their continued investment in our students and in the future of the aviation workforce here in Chicago.\u201d<\/p>\n The airline also hired more than 100 aviation maintenance technicians for its ORD Line Maintenance organisation in recent months, part of more than 10,000 Chicagoland jobs.<\/p>\n READ MORE NEWS HERE:\u00a0American Airlines confirms LEAP-1A engines and MRO support for A321neos<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n