Piedmont Airlines Donates Aircraft and Engines to Support the University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) Aviation Maintenance Program
Salisbury, Maryland — Piedmont Airlines, a wholly-owned subsidiary of American Airlines, is championing the future of aviation maintenance education with the donation of an Embraer 145 (E145) regional jet and two Rolls-Royce static turbofan jet engines to the University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES), supporting the launch of its FAA Part 147 Certified Aviation Maintenance Technician School.
The donation represents a strategic investment in aviation education and workforce readiness, supporting institutions that are preparing the next generation of aviation professionals. UMES, one of the few Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) in the nation with an FAA-certified Airframe and Powerplant program, welcomed its first class of 15 students on August 25.
The Embraer 145 being donated, while no longer in commercial service, remains fully functional, offering students hands-on experience with all components of the aircraft, from nose to tail, including the landing gear and engine systems. The two static Rolls-Royce turbofan jet engines will further enhance training by allowing students to disassemble and reassemble real-world equipment, preparing them for the Airframe and Powerplant certification exams.
“At Piedmont, we firmly believe in the power of workforce development opportunities that provide resources in helping to shape the future of aviation,” said Eric Morgan, CEO of Piedmont Airlines. “We take great pride in donating this aircraft and engines to UMES’ students, knowing that these resources are more than a tangible contribution, they’re an investment in the long-term future of aviation. By placing real-world tools in their hands, we’re helping to shape a skilled, diverse workforce that will strengthen the talent pipeline throughout the industry for years to come.”
The UMES aviation maintenance program was developed in collaboration with Piedmont Airlines, Wicomico County, the State of Maryland, and Salisbury-Wicomico Economic Development. The partnership aims to address the growing demand for skilled aircraft maintenance technicians as the current workforce begins to retire and travel demand continues to rise.
“This donation from Piedmont Airlines is a powerful example of how public-private partnerships can drive workforce development and economic growth in our region,” said David Ryan, Executive Director of Salisbury-Wicomico County Economic Development. “By investing in UMES and its students, Piedmont is helping to build a pipeline of skilled aviation professionals who will contribute to the vitality of the Eastern Shore for years to come.”
“Having access to a fully functional aircraft and industry-grade engines is a game-changer for our students,” said Chris Proscia, Aviation Maintenance Program Manager of the UMES Aviation Maintenance Program. “These resources allow us to provide hands-on training that mirrors real-world scenarios, giving our graduates a competitive edge as they enter the aviation maintenance field. We’re grateful to Piedmont Airlines for their support and belief in our mission.”
Located just feet away from Piedmont’s maintenance base in Salisbury, Maryland, UMES students will benefit from hangar tours and mentorship opportunities with Piedmont’s maintenance team, many of whom helped shape the program’s curriculum.
This donation is part of Piedmont’s broader strategy to build a diverse pipeline of aviation professionals. Since 2021, the airline has donated seven aircraft engines to technical schools along the East Coast, including UMES.
“We believe in workforce development that provides real resources and real opportunities,” added Morgan. “We want members of our community to know that they can work locally for a national company and build their future right here in their own backyard with Piedmont.”
The donation was unveiled during a special event at UMES’ new hangar facility, attended by representatives from the State of Maryland, Piedmont Airlines, UMES leadership, and other local dignitaries.
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Delivering hands-on training to the next generation
About Piedmont Airlines
Piedmont Airlines, Inc. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of American Airlines, providing service both on the ground and in the air across the United States. Every day, nearly 12,000 aviation professionals foster a mission of caring, compliance, communication, and community on and off the airfield. Piedmont is headquartered in Salisbury, Maryland, and operates a fleet of Embraer 145 regional jets with the Embraer 175 joining their fleet in 2028. Piedmont Airlines’ ground handling team can be found in more than 80 airports across the United States, providing award winning ground service to passengers of American Airlines. Learn more about what’s happening at Piedmont by visiting https://piedmont-airlines.com connect with Piedmont on Twitter @piedmontair and at Facebook.com/workforpiedmont/.