AAR CORP breaks ground on MRO facility in Oklahoma City
AAR CORP breaks ground on MRO facility in Oklahoma City
AAR CORP broke ground on the expansion of its maintenance, repair and overhaul facility in Oklahoma City last week.
More than 150 representatives from AAR, Alaska Airlines, state and local government and partner organizations supporting the efforts gathered to celebrate the groundbreaking on AAR’s three-bay facility that is being constructed adjacent to the Company’s existing facility at Will Rogers World Airport, the April 5 press release said.
The facility has been designed to provide AAR an additional 80,000+ square feet of hangar and warehouse space and to accommodate all 737 variants, including the 737-10. AAR’s growth in Oklahoma City supports a recently expanded maintenance commitment from Alaska Airlines. The airframe MRO facility is expected to be operational by January 2026.
Much of the funding for the project was made possible through a grant secured by Oklahoma legislators, with the balance expected to be funded through rent concessions from the airport.
Speakers at the groundbreaking celebration included John M. Holmes, AAR’s Chairman, President and CEO; Don Wright, Alaska Airlines’ Vice President of Maintenace & Engineering; Grayson Ardies, State Director of Oklahoma Aeronautics Commission; and Lt. Governor Matt Pinell.
“Today’s groundbreaking has been made possible thanks to collaborative efforts across AAR and Alaska Airlines, partnerships with Oklahoma City Airport Trust, and state and local representatives who are passionate about expanding aviation in Oklahoma. We are especially excited about creating 200 additional full-time careers with AAR, which we expect to fill through local technical schools and workforce development partners who create opportunities though aviation-centric programming, such as Choose Aerospace,” Holmes said.
Other speakers present at the ceremony included Senator Paul Rosino; Jeff Seymour of Greater Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce – Economic Development; Terry Salmon, Chair of the Oklahoma City Airport Trust; and Jeff Mulder, Oklahoma City Director of Airports.
“The Oklahoma City Airport Trust is excited to partner with AAR to expand its Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul operation at Will Rogers World Airport. This expansion of AAR’s MRO operation provides more hangar capacity at OKC, along with more aviation jobs for our community,” said Mulder.
"This groundbreaking isn't just about constructing a hangar. It's about cultivating an excellent experience for all involved. JE Dunn is honored to bring our construction expertise and leadership and partner with The Oklahoma City Airport Trust (OCAT) to support the business growth happening in our city,” said Jason Bishop, JE Dunn’s Vice President – Oklahoma City.
