12-Year Single-Source Supplier Contract Valued In Excess Of $200 Million

AAR has signed a letter of intent (LOI) to provide support for 30 new Embraer 175 aircraft operated by Mesa Airlines, Inc. The 12-year agreement will include rotable inventory power by the hour (PBH) support, heavy maintenance, and wheel and brake services. AAR will utilize its broad services offering to provide this comprehensive fleet support under a single program.

To support the inventory PBH element of the program, AAR will own and manage a rotable inventory pool in five of Mesa's locations to meet guaranteed service levels. The heavy maintenance will be performed in AAR's Oklahoma City MRO facility and the wheel and brake services will be performed in AAR's Miami location.

The estimated total value of the contract is more than $200 million. "We are excited to build on our history of quality and reliable service for Mesa Airlines," said Ken Hein, Vice President of Operations for AAR's Aviation Supply Chain Group. "Our total support solution simplifies the supply chain and life-cycle support for their new E175 fleet."

Mesa will begin revenue operation of the new fleet of E175s this summer for United Express service. "The total support services package offered by AAR as the primary supplier will allow us to focus on our core business – providing outstanding regional service for United Express and its customers," said Gary Appling, Sr. Vice President of Maintenance and Engineering for Mesa Airlines.  "We look forward to putting these new planes in operation this summer."

AAR currently covers more than 600 aircraft in long-term support agreements.

FMI: www.aarcorp.com