Top Aircraft Maintenance Provider Receives FAA Approval To Commence Operations

AAR, a provider of aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services to commercial airlines, has passed the FAA's certification approval process for a new aircraft maintenance facility in Duluth, MN. The certification process is a key regulatory milestone that paves the way for AAR to commence operations.

The addition of the Duluth facility increases AAR's aircraft maintenance capacity by approximately 10% and will leverage the Company's world-class MRO systems and processes to provide customers with an additional geographic location and increased flexibility. AAR currently maintains MRO facilities in Indianapolis, Oklahoma City, Miami and Hot Springs, Arkansas, which operate as part of the Company's nationwide "1MRO" network.

"The Duluth facility extends AAR's industry-leading position as the top provider of aircraft maintenance services in North America," said Timothy J. Romenesko, President and Chief Operating Officer of AAR CORP. "The new operation is designed to be efficient and scalable, enabling us to start with a single line of maintenance and quickly expand to accommodate additional work."

AAR expects the 188,000-square-foot facility to operational with a launch customer by December 2012 and anticipates that it will be running at full capacity within a year. AAR has already begun hiring in Duluth and has immediate openings for additional aviation maintenance technicians (AMTs). "We appreciate the tremendous collaboration of the FAA, Duluth Airport Authority, local officials and economic development teams for their assistance in securing our regulatory approval and preparing the facility for operations," Romenesko said.

FMI: www.aarcorp.com