ROMEOVILLE — Lewis University’s Aviation Department received a Pratt & Whitney JT9D-7R4 engine as a donation from the FedEx Express Air Operations based in Memphis, Tenn. The engine was previously used on an Airbus A-310. Aviation Maintenance students will utilize the engine for various training exercises. The Pratt & Whitney JT9D was the first high bypass ratio jet engine to power a wide-body aircraft.

Richard Ugarte, managing director at FedEx, personally delivered and presented the engine during a reception Monday, Jan. 14 in the university’s hangar. Surrounded by Lewis University faculty and students, Ugarte spoke about his experience working on the engine and the future of aviation. He said that technology is changing the industry and that students with technological skills are invaluable to organizations in the field. Ugarte praised the Aviation Maintenance students and discussed how retirements as well as industry changes are dramatically increasing demand for aviation maintenance professionals.