WOOD DALE, ILLINOIS (August 27, 2010) — AAR announced today that it has appointed a new leadership team at its Aviation Worldwide Services (AWS) subsidiary, which provides airlift services and aircraft modifications for the U.S. and other government customers. AAR acquired AWS and its subsidiaries, Presidential Airways and STI Aviation, in April 2010.
Joseph Ford, who previously served as executive vice president of AWS, has been appointed General Manager of Presidential Airways, the AWS subsidiary that provides expeditionary airlift services for nation-building, peacekeeping, humanitarian and contingency operations around the world. A combat veteran with more than 25 years of service, Ford is a retired Air Force Colonel and command pilot with extensive experience with a range of combat aircraft. In his new role Ford will be responsible for overseeing operations, growing the business and strengthening customer relationships.
Steve Peckham, who previously served as Vice President of U.S. Army & Rotorcraft Programs for AAR’s Government and Defense Services Group, has been appointed General Manager of STI Aviation, the AWS subsidiary that provides specialized fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft modifications and maintenance. In his new capacity, Peckham will direct STI’s operations and focus on growing the company’s customer base. Peckham has more than 30 years of experience in the defense and commercial aviation industries.
Thomas Howell joins AAR as Vice President of Quality and Safety at AWS. Howell has more than 28 years of experience in commercial aviation, quality assurance and safety management. During his career, he successfully created and implemented quality management systems, authored quality and safety manuals and developed training programs for safety risk management and incident investigation. In his new position he will be responsible for AWS’s quality assurance and safety programs.
“These appointments bring three highly experienced defense and commercial aviation experts to bear our AWS business and will help to instill AAR’s culture and values,” said Jeffrey Schloesser, who recently joined AAR as President of AWS. “I’m very impressed with the professionalism, talent and dedication of the AWS work force and believe that we’re in a great position to contribute to AAR’s continued growth in government and defense markets.”
AAR is a leading provider of value-added products and services to the worldwide aerospace and government/defense industries. With facilities and sales locations around the world, AAR uses its close-to-the-customer business model to serve aviation and government/defense customers through four operating segments: Aviation Supply Chain; Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul; Structures and Systems; and Government and Defense Services. More information can be found at www.aarcorp.com.
