American Airlines Donates Auxiliary Power Unit to Aviation Institute of Maintenance

Donation provides students with hands-on access to vital aircraft equipment during their studies

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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American Airlines has donated an auxiliary power unit (APU) to the Aviation Institute of Maintenance (AIM) – Chicago. The donated APU previously flew on American's McDonnell Douglas MD80 fleet for 29 years and for more than 74,000 takeoffs and landings. The donation will provide the school's more than 400 students with hands-on access to vital aircraft equipment that will help prepare them for careers as aviation maintenance professionals.

Why it matters

As Chicago's leading global airline, American Airlines is strengthening its partnership with AIM – Chicago to support local students on their journey to becoming tomorrow's aviation maintenance professionals. The donation of the APU and a previous Pratt & Whitney JT8D engine, as well as supporting AIM students at annual Aerospace Maintenance Council Competitions, demonstrates American's commitment to developing the next generation of aviation maintenance talent.

The details

The donated APU will not only help students during their studies, but prepare them on the same type of equipment they'll maintain post-graduation. American Airlines has 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.

  • American Airlines donated the APU to AIM – Chicago on March 4, 2026.
  • American previously donated a Pratt & Whitney JT8D engine to the school in 2023.

The players

American Airlines

An American airline and the world's largest airline by fleet size, revenue, and passengers carried.

Aviation Institute of Maintenance (AIM) – Chicago

A technical school that provides aviation maintenance training programs to prepare students for careers in the aviation industry.

Mark Miner

Vice President of Technical Services at American Airlines.

Jason Pfaff

Chief Executive Officer of Cotulla, the parent company of the Aviation Institute of Maintenance.

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What they’re saying

“American is proud to strengthen our partnership with AIM – Chicago with today's donation. 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.”

— Mark Miner, Vice President of Technical Services (ala.aero)

“Partnerships 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. 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.”

— Jason Pfaff, Chief Executive Officer (ala.aero)

The takeaway

This donation from American Airlines to the Aviation Institute of Maintenance in Chicago demonstrates the airline's commitment to developing the next generation of aviation maintenance professionals. By providing students with hands-on access to the same equipment they'll use in their careers, American is investing in the future of the industry and strengthening its ties to the local community.