AAR Signs LOI with Mesa Airlines for Total Support of New E175s
WOOD DALE, Illinois, March 20, 2014 – AAR (NYSE: AIR) 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 service offerings 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 has been voted the No. 1 Airframe MRO provider in North America and one of the top three in the world, based on industry surveys. Its Wheels and Brakes division in Miami has earned the Top Shop Award from OneAero MRO for three consecutive years. As the largest independent provider of component support services in North America, AAR currently covers more than 600 aircraft in long-term support agreements.
About AAR
AAR is a global aerospace and defense contractor that employs more than 6,000 people in 17 countries. Based in Wood Dale, Illinois, AAR supports commercial, government and defense customers through two operating segments: Aviation Services and Technology Products. AAR’s services include inventory management and parts distribution; aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul; and expeditionary airlift. AAR’s products include cargo systems and containers; mobility systems and shelters; advanced aerostructures; and command and control systems. More information can be found at www.aarcorp.com.
