American Airlines Donates Aircraft Auxiliary Power Unit to Aviation Institute of Maintenance in Chicago to Support Hands-On Training

(IN SHORT) American Airlines has donated an auxiliary power unit previously used on its McDonnell Douglas MD80 aircraft to the Aviation Institute of Maintenance in Chicago, giving more than 400 students access to real aircraft equipment for hands-on training. The APU, which supported over 74,000 flights during its 29-year service life, will now be used to help students develop practical maintenance skills. The donation builds on a partnership between American Airlines and AIM – Chicago established in 2022 that has already included equipment contributions and career pathways for graduates. The airline also recently hired more than 100 aviation maintenance technicians in Chicago, reinforcing its investment in the local aviation workforce and supporting more than 10,000 jobs across the Chicagoland area.

(PRESS RELEASE) CHICAGO, 2026-Mar-4 — /Travel PR News/ — American Airlines has donated an auxiliary power unit (APU) to the Aviation Institute of Maintenance (AIM) in Chicago, giving students direct access to real aircraft equipment as part of their aviation maintenance training. The donation ceremony took place in the school’s hangar and marks another step in the airline’s ongoing collaboration with the institute to help prepare future aviation maintenance professionals.

The APU previously operated on American Airlines’ McDonnell Douglas MD80 fleet, where it remained in service for nearly three decades. During its operational life, the component supported more than 74,000 takeoffs and landings across 29 years of service before being retired from active airline operations.

By providing the equipment to AIM – Chicago, the airline is enabling more than 400 students enrolled at the school to train using the same type of systems they will encounter in real maintenance environments. Access to operational aircraft components allows students to gain practical experience that complements their classroom studies and prepares them for careers in aviation maintenance.

Mark Miner, Vice President of Technical Services at American Airlines, said the donation reflects the airline’s commitment to supporting aviation education and strengthening partnerships with training institutions in the region. He noted that the equipment served the airline and its passengers reliably over many years and will now continue to contribute by helping students develop the skills needed to maintain aircraft in the future.

An auxiliary power unit is a small turbine engine typically installed in the tail section of an aircraft. It generates electrical power when the aircraft’s main engines are not running and provides essential support for onboard systems. The APU powers cabin lighting, environmental systems and other electrical equipment, and also supplies compressed air required to start the aircraft’s main engines. On the ground and in some cases during flight, the system allows aircraft to operate independently without relying on external power sources.

The partnership between American Airlines and AIM – Chicago began in 2022 with the aim of creating a pathway for graduates to enter aviation maintenance careers. Since then, the collaboration has expanded to include equipment donations, participation in student competitions and employment opportunities for graduates.

In 2023, American Airlines also donated a Pratt & Whitney JT8D engine to the school, further expanding the range of aircraft systems available for student training. The airline has also supported AIM students participating in Aerospace Maintenance Council competitions, which provide opportunities for students to demonstrate their technical skills and gain industry exposure.

The relationship between the airline and the institute also extends to employees. Several American Airlines frontline team members are currently enrolled at AIM – Chicago as they work toward earning their Federal Aviation Administration Airframe and Powerplant licenses.

Jason Pfaff, Chief Executive Officer of Cotulla, the parent company of the Aviation Institute of Maintenance, highlighted the importance of industry partnerships in preparing students for careers in aviation maintenance. Access to real equipment used in the field helps students build confidence, deepen their technical knowledge and transition more smoothly from training programs to professional roles.

The donation also reflects American Airlines’ broader commitment to the Chicago region, where the airline continues to expand its workforce. In recent months, the airline has hired more than 100 aviation maintenance technicians for its line maintenance operations at Chicago O’Hare International Airport.

These hires contribute to the airline’s broader presence in the Chicagoland area, where American Airlines supports more than 10,000 jobs.

Through initiatives such as equipment donations, training partnerships and workforce development efforts, American Airlines aims to support the next generation of aviation maintenance professionals while strengthening its ties to communities where it operates.

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 Forward^SM 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.

Press inquiries: mediarelations@aa.com

SOURCE: American Airlines