05.24.12

Cantwell Applauds Donation of 727 to Spokane Airport

Cantwell Applauds Donation of 727 to Spokane Airport Cantwell: ‘An Important Tool for E. Wa’s Growing Aerospace Sector’

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) applauded Spokane International Airport for securing a donated Boeing 727 from FedEx. The jet will be a key addition to Aircraft Rescue Firefighting (ARFF) training programs at Spokane International Airport. The frame of the aircraft will also give students at the Spokane Community College’s Aviation Maintenance Program hands-on experience working on Boeing planes.

“This jet is another important tool to strengthen job training for Eastern Washington’s growing aerospace sector,” said Cantwell.“This jet marks another step forward for training Spokane area public safety officials and future aerospace workers. I’d like to thank Lawrence Krauter, CEO of Spokane International Airport, for the dedication and hard work he showed in obtaining this key training tool.”

The growing aviation industry in Eastern Washington supports more than 8,000 jobs, including at more than 80 employers. Cantwell was instrumental to Air Washington winning a $20 million grant from the Department of Labor to support the training of more than 2,600 workers statewide with the skills needed by Washington state’s 650 aerospace employers. Air Washington is a consortium – led by Spokane Community College – of 14 of Washington’s community and technical colleges across Washington and several aerospace training organizations.

The consortium was created to address and meet the needs of the state’s growing aerospace workforce in advanced manufacturing/machining, aircraft assembly, aircraft maintenance, composites, and electronics. Air Washington seeks to recruit and train more women, veterans, individuals with disabilities, and other underrepresented groups for aerospace jobs.

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