Propelling student success: American Airlines donates auxiliary power unit to Aviation Institute of Maintenance – Chicago

• 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

CHICAGO - 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 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 also donated a Pratt & Whitney JT8D engine to the school in 2023 and supported AIM students at annual Aerospace 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.

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.