Wood Dale-based AAR to open aircraft maintenance facility in Louisiana
Wood Dale-based AAR has signed an agreement with the Chennault International Airport Authority to open its sixth North American aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul facility in Lake Charles, La., at the Chennault International Airport.
AAR, the largest independent MRO provider in North America, will occupy approximately 520,000 square feet of MRO service and administrative space at the facility, capable of supporting maintenance operations for all widebody aircraft, with expansion under way that will accommodate aircraft as large as the Airbus A380.
AAR initially will employ approximately 250 and anticipates hiring an additional 500 at the facility by 2017. The new operation significantly expands AAR's capabilities, enabling the Company to accommodate a greater variety of aircraft and grow its Aviation Services business.
“Today is a great day for Calcasieu Parish and our entire state,” said Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal. “Chennault continues to be one of the biggest economic drivers in Southwest Louisiana and our entire state. In addition to a world-class workforce and an outstanding business climate, Louisiana offers extraordinary sites like Chennault International Airport that make our state a leader in logistics and infrastructure. All of these resources contribute to Louisiana's economic momentum, and AAR is one of many companies that have taken notice as they continue to invest here, creating more great opportunities for our people.”
The facility can accommodate up to seven widebody or 10 narrow-body aircraft, and construction is under way for an additional 118,000 square feet of space. AAR currently operates a parts logistics and distribution center at Chennault International in support of the U.S. Air Force's KC-10 program as part of a team led by Northrop Grumman.
“We're very excited to begin working with the talented pool of aviation professionals and local suppliers in the region,” said David P. Storch, chairman and chief executive officer of AAR.