727 To Be Used To Train Firefighting Personnel

A Boeing 727-200F aircraft from FedEx Express was donated Wednesday and parked on the east side cargo apron at Spokane International Airport, while community leaders gathered to tour the aircraft.

CDA Press reported that David Sutton, managing director of aircraft acquisition and sales for FedEx said "As we retire this 727 from our fleet, we are proud to give back to the aviation community. The donation of this aircraft by FedEx is just one example of the many ways we support educational endeavors, reflecting the community spirit shared by all FedEx employees in the communities where we live and work."

Sutton noted the "hands-on training value" the large freighter will provide to not only Aircraft Rescue Firefighting personnel, but also to Spokane Community College's aviation maintenance program.

Since 2000, FedEx has donated 52 of its Boeing 727 aircraft to various organizations for educational purposes. Before its final flight, the donated 727-200 provided FedEx with 20 years of service transporting packages to destinations throughout the United States.

Spokane International Airport CEO Lawrence Krauter said "The donation of this airframe by FedEx for training use at Spokane International Airport offers our public safety employees the most significant permanent training platform ever made available to the region for the purpose of aircraft emergency preparedness. The donation of this FedEx B-727 to Spokane International Airport will take our training to an entirely different level.” (FedEx 727 file photo)

FMI: www.spokaneairports.net