SkyWest Airlines has donated one of its aging Bombardier CRJ200 aircraft to a college in California. The Fresno campus of San Joaquin Valley College is now home to the 23-year-old aircraft, providing students completing its Aviation Maintenance Technology (AMT) program with invaluable hands-on engineering experience.

The aircraft's engines have been removed, so it relies on ground power. Yet despite being without its engines, the aircraft is otherwise identical in its structure to the other CRJ200s in SkyWest Airlines' fleet, meaning that the students can study the components of the aircraft and gain real-life insights into the world of engineering.

A change of livery

SkyWest Airlines operated the aircraft on regional flights under the United Express brand. It has since been repainted in an all-white livery, featuring the school's name on the sides and logo on the tail.

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Photo: GingChen | Shutterstock

Mike Dodt, Director of the AMT program, celebrated the arrival of the aircraft, saying,

"A lot of the students that we have come out of here go directly to airlines. This is going to give them the opportunity to know what they’re doing on these aircraft before they ever get their first job.”

Meanwhile, San Joaquin Valley College's Director of Institutional Partnerships, Sue Montgomery, shared some further insight into its links with SkyWest Airlines, saying,

"We have a long-term relationship with SkyWest for more than 25 years, and the maintenance director at their base here (in Fresno), David Lopez, is actually a graduate of our school."

Encouraging future mechanics to enter the industry

As the aviation industry continues its recovery, there is a global shortage of aircraft mechanics, many of whom retired as a result of the pandemic. Supporting the training of future mechanics is one of the ways in which airlines can future-proof their maintenance operations.

United Express CRJ200
Photo: Markus Mainka | Shutterstock

SkyWest Airlines works with San Joaquin Valley College to offer a guaranteed interview for a mechanic position with the airline upon graduation from the program. In exchange for a commitment to work for the airline for at least three years, the carrier also provides up to $4,500 in education assistance and the reimbursement of certification fees and moving expenses.

With tuition fees and associated costs for the 18-month program coming in at around $39,000, this initiative will go some way in alleviating some of the financial burden associated with mechanic training. The airline's Director of Maintenance, Eli Mayes, said,

“We’re excited about our partnership with SJVC and the chance to help students get started with their career. Plus, the addition of financial support as part of the SkyWest AMT Pathway Program makes it even easier for more students to pursue a career as an aircraft mechanic.”

According to the latest data from ch-aviation.com, SkyWest Airlines still has 156 Bombardier CRJ200s in its fleet, with an average age of 20.4 years old. The carrier also operates the 50-seat aircraft for Delta Connection, the regional subsidiary of Delta Air Lines.

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What do you think of SkyWest Airlines' decision to donate one of its retired aircraft to a California college? Did you gain any insight into aviation throughout your education? Share your thoughts and experiences by commenting below.

Sources: The Fresno Bee, ch-aviation.com, Yahoo News