AAR Develops Stronger Panels for Interior Cabinetry in Business Jets

ORLANDO, Florida (October 31, 2012) — AAR (NYSE: AIR) announces development of a line of fiberglass-skinned flat panels for business jet cabinetry that features increased strength performance. AAR representatives will have samples of the panels on hand in Booth 3775 at the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) Convention in Orlando October 30 through November 1.

With applications for interior cabinets and credenzas, the new flat panels use a phenolic resin formulation that has been tested to show up to a 10 percent increase in bending properties and twice the skin peel strength of previous formulations, while maintaining the flammability performance normally associated with phenolic panels.

“The new panels are a better alternative for manufacturers, adding strength without adding weight,” said Tim Dumbauld, Vice President and General Manager for AAR’s precision machining and composites fabrication businesses. “The surface finish is also ready for paint, which cuts down on labor for the cabinet maker, compared with other composite panels on the market.”

The new panels are being approved by the FAA to establish published A-basis and B-basis structural tested values. AAR plans to strategically locate inventories of the new panels to streamline shipments and minimize lead times.

AAR’s Composites business, based in Clearwater, Florida, serves the aerospace industry with high-value, quality engineered composite solutions. A second manufacturing facility in Sacramento, California, houses test labs, manufacturing space and engineering offices to bring any composite structure from concept to production.

About AAR

AAR is a leading provider of value-added products and services to the worldwide aerospace and government and 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 two operating segments: Aviation Services and Technology Products. More information can be found at www.aarcorp.com.