AAR, United Airlines ink multi-year deal for maintenance services in Rockford

AAR has signed a multi-year agreement to perform airframe
maintenance on United Airlines’ narrow-body aircraft fleet at its MRO facility
at the Rockford airport (RFD).

The agreement with AAR Corp and United Airlines to use RFD’s
AAR facility as the maintenance hub for United’s Boeing 737 fleet and other
aircraft will run through 2025 and bring an additional 250 jobs to the region.

“We are excited to expand our partnership with United
Airlines and the city of Rockford,” said John Holmes, AAR President and CEO.
“We began operations in Rockford four years ago and have built a track record
of solid performance. We are very proud to have secured this long term contract
with United.”

Rockford Mayor Tom McNamara says the deal makes sense for
both side given Rockford's manufacturing and aerospace history.

“Since opening its MRO at RFD in 2016, AAR Corp. has been a
key partner in our continued work to support the airport’s role as a leading
regional economic engine. And they are right at home in a city with a long
legacy of excellence in aerospace engineering and manufacturing.  We are beyond excited by AAR’s new contract
with United Airlines, and we appreciate the hard work of Senator Duckworth,
Senator Durbin, Congresswoman Bustos and Governor Pritzker to make this
partnership possible.”

AAR says it will continue to leverage its EAGLE Career
Pathway Program with a nationwide network of schools which includes Rock Valley
College.

The EAGLE Program provides a direct pathway to aviation
technician jobs at AAR's facilities as well as providing mentorship
opportunities for students while they are enrolled in their Airframe and
Powerplant program.

AAR says they've also engaged with Rockford Workforce
Connection (RWC) through a variety of solutions to grow the number of
technicians as well as supporting specialized training in the aviation field. AAR
provides MRO services from facilities in Illinois, Indiana, Florida, Oklahoma,
Quebec and Ontario.