Source: American Airlines

  • 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

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 alsodonated a Pratt & Whitney JT8D engine to the school in 2023 and supported AIM students at annualAerospace Maintenance Council Competitions. Several American frontline team members also attend AIM – Chicago, pursuing their FAA Airframe and Powerplant license.

“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.

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.