WOOD DALE, Illinois, September 14, 2016 – AAR (NYSE: AIR), recognized for its industry-leading airframe maintenance and inventory management solutions for the world’s airlines, announces it has acquired an aircraft paint stripping and washing business, Sonic Aviation, located at Miami International Airport.
Sonic’s strip and wash services, including ground support equipment (GSE), complements AAR’s existing aircraft painting business and will add a new, distinctive aircraft maintenance capability to AAR’s full range of aviation services, including aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) at its five repair stations in North America, and its global parts supply and component repair business segments serving commercial and government customers around the world. AAR’s 1MRO Network includes facilities in Miami; Duluth, Minn.; Indianapolis, Ind.; Oklahoma City, Okla.; and Lake Charles, La., and provides consistent, high-quality service no matter where the work is performed. A new MRO designed to handle next-generation aircraft is opening soon in Rockford, Ill.
“The acquisition of Sonic moves AAR into an adjacent vertical and will further extend our ability to provide value-added services to airlines,” said Brian Loomer, General Manager, AAR Aircraft Services – Miami. “We are also excited to expand our presence at Miami International Airport and grow the only aircraft and GSE washing service into a 24/7 business.”
Miami International Airport houses AAR’s FAA-certified repair station in three hangar bays of 226,000 square feet where it conducts heavy maintenance, modifications, installations and paint services on narrow- and wide-body aircraft for U.S. and Latin American operators. Located nearby is AAR’s base of operations for its aircraft wheels, brakes, and landing gear repair services.
About AAR
AAR is a global aftermarket solutions company that employs more than 4,500 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; 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.
