![]()
-
Donation provides students with hands-on access to vital aircraft equipment
during their studies
-
Airline strengthens Chicago ties with recent hiring of more than 100 local
aviation maintenance professionals
CHICAGO — American Airlines donated an auxiliary power unit (APU) to the
Aviation Institute of Maintenance (AIM) – Chicago yesterday at a ceremony held
in the school’s hangar. The donation provides the school’s more than 400
students with hands-on access to vital aircraft equipment that will not only
help them during their studies, but prepare the next generation on the same
type of equipment they’ll maintain post-grad. The donated APU previously flew
on American’s McDonnell Douglas MD80 fleet for 29 years and for more than
74,000 takeoffs and landings.
“American is proud to strengthen our partnership with AIM – Chicago with
today’s donation,” said Mark Miner, American’s Vice President of Technical
Services. “This 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.
As Chicago’s leading global airline, it’s our honor and privilege to support
local students on their journey to becoming tomorrow’s aviation maintenance
professionals.”
American and AIM – Chicago’s partnership
began
in 2022, paving the way for graduates to find rewarding and successful
aviation maintenance careers in American’s hangars. American also
donated
a Pratt & Whitney JT8D engine to the school in 2023 and supported AIM students
at annual
Aerospace Maintenance Council Competitions. Several American frontline team members also attend AIM – Chicago, pursuing
their FAA Airframe and Powerplant license.
What's an APU?
An APU is a small turbine engine located in the tail of an aircraft that
provides power when the main engines aren't running. It supplies electricity
to onboard systems, powers cabin lighting and environmental controls and
delivers the compressed air needed to start the main engines. On the ground,
and in some cases during flight, the APU ensures reliable, independent power
so crews can operate critical systems. maintain customer comfort and support
safe aircraft operations without relying on external equipment.
"Partnerships like this are what make the student experience real,” said Jason
Pfaff, Chief Executive Officer of Cotulla, the parent company of the Aviation
Institute of Maintenance. “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. We’re incredibly grateful to
American Airlines for their continued investment in our students and in the
future of the aviation workforce here in Chicago.”
The airline also hired more than 100 aviation maintenance technicians for its
ORD Line Maintenance organization in recent months, part of more than 10,000
Chicagoland jobs.
About American Airlines Group (NASDAQ: AAL)
American
Airlines is a premium global airline connecting more of the U.S. to the world.
With roots tracing back to an air mail carrier in the Midwestern United States
in 1926, American now operates more than 6,000 daily flights to more than 350
destinations in more than 60 countries and serves more than 200 million
customers annually. Powered by a proud and talented team of 130,000 aviation
professionals, American’s team lives out the airline’s purpose of caring for
people on life’s journey every day.
The world’s largest airline proudly celebrates its centennial year in 2026,
reaching a milestone that reflects a century of innovation and the Forever
ForwardSM spirit that changed the industry and the world. American
introduced the first scheduled air cargo service, the first airport lounge and
the first airline loyalty program and continues to reinvent the customer
experience today. The airline is also a founding member of the
oneworld alliance, whose members serve more than 900
destinations around the globe.
Get the latest about American at
news.aa.com and
@AmericanAir.
About Aviation Institute of Maintenance
The Aviation
Institute of Maintenance (AIM) is a leading provider of aviation maintenance
training, preparing students for careers that keep the world in flight. With
campuses across the United States, AIM offers hands-on training in aircraft
maintenance and is committed to building a skilled, diverse workforce ready to
meet the demands of the aviation industry.