Aircraft manufacturer Airbus has donated aircraft structural parts and kits worth more than $800,000 to Wichita State University's National Institute for Aviation Research (NIAR) for use in its research laboratories and training classes. Airbus is donating an elevator for a horizontal tail and two APU change kits.

NIAR researchers John Tomblin and Waruna Seneviratne will use the articles for composite-metal hybrid structural durability and damage tolerance research programs and advance composites hands-on training classes that include composite fabrication, repair and testing.

The advanced hands-on composite training class was first developed working with the John Papadatos, head of engineering and site director of Airbus Wichita. The class has been offered for Airbus engineers three times since 2011.

John Tomblin

"This is a prime example of the benefit of partnerships between the aviation industry and universities," said Tomblin, NIAR executive director. "We're grateful for Airbus' investment in furthering aviation research and education and look forward to the existing potential in the growing partnership between Airbus and NIAR."
U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran has been a long-time supporter of NIAR and helped foster the partnership between the two entities.

"Airbus is a great community partner and this investment demonstrates their significant commitment to Wichita and to Kansas," said Moran. "This generous contribution will provide students at NIAR with invaluable aviation research tools, helping to establish Wichita as a place for aviation companies and their leaders."

"Airbus is pleased to support Wichita State University and education of the next generation of leaders in this industry," said Barry Eccleston, president and CEO of Airbus Americas. "We already have a good partnership with WSU and are pleased they can use our donation for teaching and research."

DHL provided shipping services from Airbus to NIAR at cost.