The new facility is designed to add over 80,000 square feet of hangar and warehouse space to AAR’s footprint and is specifically tailored to accommodate all variants of the Boeing 737, including the latest 737-10 model.
AAR CORP., a renowned provider of aviation services to commercial and government operators, MROs, and OEMs, commenced the groundbreaking ceremony for its expanded maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) facility in Oklahoma City earlier today. The event brought together more than 150 representatives from AAR, Alaska Airlines, state and local government officials, and partner organizations, all joining hands to celebrate the initiation of construction for AAR’s new three-bay facility. This facility is being built adjacent to the company’s existing operations at Will Rogers World Airport in Oklahoma City.
The new facility is designed to add over 80,000 square feet of hangar and warehouse space to AAR’s footprint and is specifically tailored to accommodate all variants of the Boeing 737, including the latest 737-10 model. AAR’s expansion in Oklahoma City is in direct support of a recently extended maintenance commitment from Alaska Airlines, a long-standing and valued customer of AAR for more than two decades. The new airframe MRO facility is anticipated to commence operations in January 2026.
John M. Holmes, Chairman & President & CEO, AARsaid, “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.”
The funding for this significant project was made possible through a grant secured by Oklahoma legislators, with additional support expected through rent concessions from the airport, showcasing a collaborative effort to drive growth in the aviation sector.
“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 Jeff Mulder, Director of Airports, Oklahoma City.
Several notable speakers graced the groundbreaking celebration, including John M. Holmes, AAR’s Chairman, President, and CEO; Don Wright, Vice President of Maintenance & Engineering at Alaska Airlines; Grayson Ardies, State Director of the Oklahoma Aeronautics Commission; Lieutenant Governor Matt Pinnell; Senator Paul Rosino; Jeff Seymour from the Greater Oklahoma City Chamber of Commerce – Economic Development; Terry Salmon, Chair of the Oklahoma City Airport Trust; and Jeff Mulder, Director of Airports for Oklahoma City.
“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, Vice President for Oklahoma City, JE Dunn.
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AAR, headquartered in the Chicago area, is a global aerospace and defense aftermarket solutions company with operations spanning across more than 20 countries. The company serves commercial and government customers through four operating segments: Parts Supply, Repair & Engineering, Integrated Solutions, and Expeditionary Services, showcasing its commitment to providing comprehensive aviation services worldwide.
