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Piedmont Airlines Donates Aircraft to University of Maryland Eastern Shore

Piedmont Airlines Donates Aircraft to University of Maryland Eastern Shore
Piedmont Airlines has donated a fully operational Embraer E145 aircraft along with two Rolls-Royce static turbofan jet engines to the University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES). This contribution supports the launch of UMES’s FAA Part 147-certified Aviation Maintenance Technician School, providing students with critical hands-on training as they prepare for careers in aviation maintenance. As a regional carrier and subsidiary of American Airlines, Piedmont views this donation as a strategic investment in the future workforce of the aviation industry.
Enhancing Aviation Education and Workforce Development
Eric Morgan, CEO of Piedmont Airlines, emphasized the company’s commitment to workforce development, stating that the donation represents more than just physical assets. “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,” Morgan said. He highlighted the importance of equipping students with real-world tools to cultivate a skilled and diverse talent pool, which is essential for strengthening the aviation sector.
The inaugural class of 15 students commenced studies in late August. Piedmont played an active role in shaping the program’s curriculum, collaborating with local and state partners including Wicomico County, the state of Maryland, and Salisbury-Wicomico Economic Development. UMES stands out as one of the few historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) in the United States offering an FAA-certified airframe and powerplant program.
Chris Proscia, manager of the aviation maintenance program at UMES, described the donation as transformative for the students. “Having access to a fully functional aircraft and industry-grade engines is a game-changer for our students,” he said. Proscia noted that these resources enable the program to deliver hands-on training that closely replicates real-world maintenance scenarios, thereby enhancing graduates’ competitiveness in the aviation maintenance field.
Strategic Industry Context and Future Implications
UMES’s location near Piedmont’s maintenance base in southeast Maryland offers additional educational opportunities, allowing students to tour airline hangars and engage directly with Piedmont’s maintenance personnel. Since 2021, Piedmont has donated seven aircraft engines to various educational institutions along the East Coast, including UMES.
This donation arrives amid a challenging environment for Piedmont, which faces intensified market competition, evolving taxation policies, and potential tariffs that could affect the broader charter and regional airline industry. Industry analysts suggest that such high-profile contributions may attract scrutiny from competitors and stakeholders monitoring any operational changes linked to Piedmont’s reduced fleet. Major carriers like United Airlines may respond with strategic adjustments to capitalize on shifts in Piedmont’s market presence, while Southwest Airlines’ potential international expansion could further reshape the competitive landscape, indirectly influencing Piedmont’s positioning.
Despite these external pressures, Piedmont’s investment in aviation education underscores its dedication to nurturing the next generation of skilled technicians and reinforcing the industry’s talent pipeline.

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