AAR Signs MOU with KAI to Help Develop Commercial MRO in South Korea
September 9, 2015
Global maintenance providers establish strategic repair partnership
WOOD DALE, Illinois, September 9, 2015 – AAR (NYSE: AIR), a world leader in airframe maintenance and supply chain solutions, and Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI), the largest original equipment manufacturer (OEM) and maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) provider for military aerospace customers in Korea, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to work together to establish a commercial aircraft MRO facility in South Korea.
AAR’s 1MRO Network, the third largest in the world, will provide its industry-leading best practices in MRO as a consultant to KAI. The two providers are also considering operating the new facility under a joint venture.
Under the agreement, AAR and KAI will also focus on growing KAI’s MRO services to third-party customers/airlines. And AAR will lend its expertise on FAA and EASA certification and licensing requirements.
KAI, the only domestic aircraft OEM and total systems integrator in Korea, builds Apache helicopters for Boeing and jointly developed a next-generation fighter trainer with Lockheed Martin. AAR has a global reputation in the aviation sector for improving operational efficiencies and turn times, as well as lowering airlines’ operating costs through its customized solutions.
“KAI has a vision for expansion, and AAR, with its expertise and global reputation as the world’s leading independent provider of airframe maintenance, is the right partner to help us transition successfully to the commercial side of the business," said Sung Yong-Ha, CEO of KAI.
“This agreement with KAI is part of AAR’s efforts to further expand our reach in emerging markets such as Africa, the Middle East and Asia-Pacific,” said AAR Aviation Services COO John Holmes. “We are excited to partner with Korea’s premier military aerospace maintenance provider to help the organization streamline its operations, reduce costs and expand service across South Korea.”
AAR was named Best Airframe MRO Provider Worldwide by ATE&M, its third award in four years. AAR’s global network of warehouses servicing customers’ supply chain needs are located in Chicago, Singapore, Amsterdam and Hannover, Germany, with a new hub in Brussels now serving Europe, the Middle East and Africa. The Company serves customers in more than 100 countries from sales and service offices around the world.
About Korea Aerospace Industries
KAI is the only domestic aircraft manufacturer and total system integrator in Korea. It designs and assembles world-class aircraft and satellite systems and provides life cycle support for its products. Based in Sacheon, South Korea, the company develops basic, intermediate, and advanced trainer aircraft for fighter pilot training; helicopters for air transportation of troops to the armed forces; UAV, an unmanned air vehicle for maritime operations; and small civil air vehicles for leisure, industry, and flight training. It also provides various aero structures for a range of Airbus and Boeing commercial aircrafts; and upgrades and modifies existing aircraft for performance enhancement. In addition, the company provides aircraft MRO and ground based training systems for pilots and maintenance crews, and is involved in the development of multi-purpose satellites and related core parts, as well as in the satellite launching business.
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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.
Media contact: Daniela Pietsch, Vice President Corporate Marketing & Communications, at editor@aarcorp.com or +1 630-227-5100.
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.