American Airlines has donated a Pratt & Whitney JT8D engine, taken from a McDonnell Douglas MD-80, to the Aviation Institute of Maintenance (AIM).

The engine will be used by students for hands-on training at the school’s Chicago campus while pursuing their aviation maintenance technician (AMT) certification.

An official handover took place during the Aviation Technician Education Council annual conference in Chicago.

The last American Airlines McDonnell Douglas MD-80 took its final flight in 2019.

“American is honoured to donate this important piece of aviation technology to students at AIM,” said American’s vice president of line maintenance Evie Garces. “As a former AMT, I know first-hand how important it is to have access to equipment like this as you’re learning new skills. The MD-80 powered American’s future when it took its first revenue flight in 1983, and this engine will help power students’ futures as they work toward their certifications and career aspirations for years to come.”

American said the engine donation was part of an ongoing partnership with AIM that provides students with ongoing engagement with the airline’s team of aviation maintenance professionals and access to its maintenance facilities. The partnership also guarantees top candidates from AIM’s Chicago campus interviews with American.

“We are excited to enhance our partnership with American Airlines in 2023, and receiving this impressive aircraft engine will allow us to provide more resources and experience to our student body in Chicago,” said AIM’s executive vice president Dr. Joel English. “Hands-on training on a range of airframes and powerplants is essential for the AIM graduate to become prepared to join the workforce after graduation. American sees the value of investing in our diverse student population, and this donation will help us prepare our current students to become tomorrow’s American Airlines technicians.”