AOG Investors OPS Portal PAARTSSM Store
X Facebook Instagram Linkedin YouTube

Press release

May 06, 2014

AAR Defense Leader Gives Industry Keynote Speech at AIA Conference on Military Product Support

WOOD DALE, Illinois – Lt. General Donald Wetekam, USAF Retired and Senior Vice President of AAR CORP., (NYSE: AIR) gave an Industry Keynote speech today on the factors driving high sustainment costs within the Department of Defense (DoD) at the Aerospace Industries Association (AIA) Product Support Conference in Clearwater, Florida.

The AIA spring conference is focused on the topic of helping DoD meet current budget challenges by exploring approaches to quickly and effectively lower defense costs while preserving the technological advantage of U.S. warfighters. AIA and its member companies have consistently developed strategies and practices to support strong, affordable military readiness, which is directly tied to maintaining force structure.

In his address, Wetekam suggested that DoD adopt more of the best practices used in the commercial aerospace industry to reduce costs. As a senior team member at AAR Corp, a global commercial aviation and defense contractor, Wetekam is very familiar with the robust commercial aftermarket industry that has resulted in more competitive pricing.

“The current DoD budget challenges make this the right time to re-examine the status quo and benefit from lessons learned in the commercial aviation sector,” said Wetekam. “The commercial airlines have been safely and effectively using FAA-certified aftermarket and overhauled parts for years and most now outsource the majority of their heavy maintenance, repair and overhaul work. In fact, there is currently excess capacity at commercial MRO facilities in the U.S. that would yield some attractive pricing.”

In addition to MRO and Aviation Supply Chain services and products, AAR also serves military and government customers around the globe with specialized mobility products, inventory management of medical supplies, cargo systems, aircraft sales and leasing, aerospace structures and even expeditionary airlift service.

About AAR

AAR is a global aftermarket solutions company that employs more than 6,000 people in over 20 countries. Based in Wood Dale, Illinois, AAR supports commercial aviation and government customers through two operating segments: Aviation Services and Expeditionary Services. AAR’s Aviation Services include inventory management; parts supply; OEM parts distribution; aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul; engineering services and component repair. AAR’s Expeditionary Services include airlift operations; mobility systems; and command and control centers in support of military and humanitarian missions. More information can be found at www.aarcorp.com.

Contact
Media Team
Corporate Marketing & Communications
+1-630-227-5100
Editor@aarcorp.com


This press release contains certain statements relating to future results, which are forward-looking statements as that term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements are based on beliefs of Company management, as well as assumptions and estimates based on information currently available to the Company, and are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from historical results or those anticipated, including those factors discussed under Item 1A, entitled “Risk Factors”, included in the Company’s Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2018. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize adversely, or should underlying assumptions or estimates prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described. These events and uncertainties are difficult or impossible to predict accurately and many are beyond the Company’s control. The Company assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of such statements or to reflect the occurrence of anticipated or unanticipated events. For additional information, see the comments included in AAR’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Related news

See all SeeAll

Press release

December 23, 2024

AAR named one of America’s Most Responsible Companies 2025 by Newsweek

Wood Dale, Illinois — AAR CORP. (NYSE: AIR), a leading provider of aviation services to commercial and government operators, MROs, and OEMs, is proud to announce it has been recognized by Newsweek as one of America’s Most Responsible Companies 2025. This prestigious award is presented in collaboration with Statista, the world-leading statistics portal and industry ranking provider. The awards list was announced earlier this month and can currently be viewed on Newsweek’s website.

AAR Doing It Right logo

Press release

December 20, 2024

AAR announces divestiture of non-core Landing Gear Overhaul business to optimize portfolio

Wood Dale, Illinois — AAR CORP. (NYSE: AIR), a leading provider of aviation services to commercial and government operators, MROs, and OEMs, announced today that it has entered into a definitive agreement to divest its Landing Gear Overhaul business to GA Telesis. The transaction is valued at $51 million and is expected to close in the first quarter of the 2025 calendar year, subject to customary and regulatory closing conditions. The divestiture will be immediately accretive to margins and earnings.

AAR Doing It Right logo

Press release

December 19, 2024

AAR resolves Foreign Corrupt Practices Act investigations with the DOJ and SEC

Wood Dale, Illinois — AAR CORP. (NYSE: AIR) (“AAR” or the “Company”) announced today that it has reached resolutions with the Department of Justice (“DOJ”) and the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) to resolve previously disclosed potential violations of the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (the “FCPA”) relating to certain transactions signed in 2016 and 2017 in Nepal and South Africa. 

AOG Investors OPS Portal PAARTSSM Store
logo

Our products

Airframe parts Engine solutions Distribution Mobility Systems AOG Contact nowContact
logo

Our services

Repair & Engineering

Airframe MRO Landing Gear Overhaul Component Services Wheels and Brakes Engineering Services

Integrated Solutions

Flight-hour support Consumables and Expendables Airinmar® Trax(SM)

Additional services

Sourcing, purchasing, and remarketing ASTRO Government contract vehicles
logo

About

Our CompanyOur Company

Locations Certifications Digital innovation

Doing It Right®Doing It Right®

Sustainability  Ethics and compliance

LeadershipLeadership

logo

Careers

US and other international job openings Amsterdam job openings Thailand job openings Trois Rivières - Canada job openings United Kingdom job openings Windsor - Canada job openings
Employee experience Diversity, equity, and inclusion Military veterans EAGLE Pathway Program
logo

Newsroom

News Media resources
2024 Annual Report 2024 Sustainability Report