FedEx donates two jets to UAF, UAA aviation programs
February 21, 2013
907-455-2833
2/21/13
A pair of retired FedEx jets will give aviation maintenance students in Fairbanks and Anchorage the chance to train on the same planes they are likely to encounter during their careers.
The jets—a gift from FedEx Express to the University of Alaska Fairbanks and University of Alaska Anchorage—will arrive next week. In Fairbanks, the university will welcome the Boeing 727 at an event at the Fairbanks International Airport main terminal, Gate 6, Thursday, Feb. 28 at 10 a.m. Tours of the plane will follow its landing and a short ceremony. UAA will hold a similar event Tuesday, Feb. 26. in Anchorage.
Both planes will be used in the aviation maintenance programs at the UAF and UAA Community and Technical Colleges.
“Partnerships with business and industry are a big part of what creates strong programs at UAF,” said Chancellor Brian Rogers. “This gift presents an extraordinary learning opportunity for our students, today and years down the road.”
Having the jet on site at CTCs new hangar on the airport’s East Ramp will help revitalize the UAF aviation maintenance program, according to program coordinator Kevin Alexander. “Being able to familiarize students with the Boeing systems, not just through computer-based training, but through hands-on operation and maintenance of a fully functioning aircraft, will ensure that our graduates stand poised to meet the needs of not only the small aircraft market used by hunting guides and smaller villages across Alaska, but also these larger aircraft that serve the world.”
The plane landing in Fairbanks next week took its first flight on November 11, 1977. The 727, dubbed Joy, has been used for both passenger and freight-related functions.
“These freighters are the 65th and 66th donated by FedEx over the last several years to aviation schools, airports, museums and other organizations coast to coast for education and training purposes,” said David Sutton, managing director of Aircraft Acquisition and Sales for FedEx Express. “We are especially proud to deliver them to Alaska, home to our Anchorage Hub. The donations are an example of the many ways FedEx supports aviation education and training in the communities FedEx employees live and work.”
About FedEx Express
FedEx Express is the world’s largest express transportation company, providing fast and reliable delivery to more than 220 countries and territories. FedEx Express uses a global air-and-ground network to speed delivery of time-sensitive shipments, by a definite time and date with a money-back guarantee.
About FedEx Corp.
FedEx Corp. (NYSE: FDX) provides customers and businesses worldwide with a broad portfolio of transportation, e-commerce and business services. With annual revenues of $43 billion, the company offers integrated business applications through operating companies competing collectively and managed collaboratively, under the respected FedEx brand. Consistently ranked among the world's most admired and trusted employers, FedEx inspires its more than 300,000 team members to remain "absolutely, positively" focused on safety, the highest ethical and professional standards and the needs of their customers and communities. For more information, visit news.fedex.com.
ADDITIONAL CONTACTS: Michele Stalder, CTC dean, at 907-590-2707 or michele.stalder@alaska.edu. Marmian Grimes, UAF public information officer, at 907-474-7902 or marmian.grimes@alaska.edu. Jim McCluskey, FedEx media relations, at 901-508-2077.
NOTE TO EDITORS: Media are welcome to attend the events. Please contact Wilken via email or cell, 907-750-7557, by Wednesday, Feb. 27 at noon to arrange for access to the airport runway during the landing and taxi of the aircraft. Access is limited.
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