American Airlines donates auxiliary power unit to Aviation Institute of Maintenance | News
American Airlines donated an auxiliary power unit (APU) to the Aviation Institute of Maintenance (AIM) – Chicago during a ceremony in the school’s hangar yesterday. The donation will provide the school’s more than 400 students with hands-on access to essential aircraft equipment that will not only help them through their studies, but also prepare the next generation to maintain the same type of equipment they will maintain after graduation. The donated APU previously flew on the American McDonnell Douglas MD80 fleet for 29 years, completing 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 has served America and our customers well over the years, and we know it will serve students just as well for many years to come. As Chicago’s leading global airline, it is our honor and privilege to support local students on their journey to become the aviation maintenance professionals of tomorrow.”
The partnership between American and AIM – Chicago began in 2022, paving the way for graduates to find a rewarding and successful career in aviation maintenance in America’s hangars. American also donated a Pratt & Whitney JT8D engine to the school in 2023 and supported AIM students in the annual Aerospace Maintenance Council Competitions. Several frontline U.S. team members are also headed to AIM – Chicago, where they will obtain their FAA Airframe and Powerplant licenses.
What is an APU?
An APU is a small turbine engine in the tail of an aircraft that provides power when the main engines are not running. It supplies electricity to onboard systems, powers cabin lighting and climate controls, and supplies the compressed air needed to start the main engines. On the ground, and in some cases in flight, the APU provides reliable, independent power so crews can operate critical systems, maintain customer comfort, and support safe aircraft operations without relying on external equipment.
“Partnerships like these make the student experience real,” said Jason Pfaff, Chief Executive Officer of Cotulla, parent company of the Aviation Institute of Maintenance. “Allowing our students to train on the same equipment used in the field builds trust, deepens the learning process and shortens the distance between the classroom and a career. We are incredibly grateful to American Airlines for their continued investment in our students and in the future of the airline workforce here in Chicago.”
The airline has also hired more than 100 aviation maintenance technicians for its ORD Line Maintenance organization in recent months, part of more than 10,000 jobs in Chicagoland.
