AAR (NYSE: AIR) announced today that representatives from its Dutch-based AAR Aircraft Component Services – Amsterdam business (AAR ACS) and officials from the Netherlands Ministry of Defense’s Royal Netherlands Air Force (RNLAF) signed a partnering agreement that allows AAR ACS to provide new and expanded component repair services using equipment at Logistic Center Woensdrecht (LCW). The agreement paves the way for AAR ACS to establish its own component repair operations on the premises of Airbase Woensdrecht.

The signing took place during a ceremony at the 25th NIDV Symposium and Exhibition in the Netherlands, initiating an agreement that is intended to foster utilization of LCW facilities and expand AAR ACS’s Apache and Chinook component repair capabilities for the RNLAF and other countries.

“We are proud to further expand our business relationship with the Royal Netherlands Air Force through this agreement that will benefit both organizations, while supporting the mission readiness of the Air Force fleet for when duty calls,” said Mat van Vugt, General Manager of AAR Aircraft Component Services in Amsterdam. “It is an honor to assist the RNLAF with their goals of increasing aircraft availability and reducing operational costs for the Air Force.”

The RNLAF partnering agreement is related to a previously announced licensing arrangement between AAR and Boeing to support the RNLAF’s LCW and expand AAR’s rotorcraft service offerings in the region. For nearly 50 years, AAR ACS has operated in Amsterdam providing specialized component repair services for various commercial and military aircraft, including KDC-10s, F-16s, C-130s and NATO AWACS B707s. The addition of the RNLAF fleet support increases AAR ACS’s regional capabilities and employment base at the Amsterdam location. AAR ACS also has other repair depot responsibilities in the European region, including the Royal Air Force base at Waddington in the United Kingdom.

“This partnering agreement with the Royal Netherlands Air Force will help to maximize the readiness and utilization of our fleet at reduced cost,” said Lt. Gen. A. Schnitger, Commander of the Royal Netherlands Air Force. “It is an important milestone for the Royal Netherlands Air Force and AAR Amsterdam.”

The LCW is the defense depot of the Royal Netherlands Air Force and center of expertise for (air) weapon systems, communication systems and mission support. The LCW provides logistics, system integration, maintenance, repair, overhaul and upgrade, and supports to the operational users and other partners by creating synergy between its technical and logistical expertise in the Netherlands and abroad. AAR ACS currently provides component repair services for the RNLAF fleet through various contracts.

About AAR
AAR is a global aerospace and defense contractor that employs more than 6,000 people in 17 countries. Based in Wood Dale, Illinois, AAR supports commercial, government and defense customers through two operating segments: Aviation Services and Technology Products. AAR’s services include inventory management and parts distribution; aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul; and expeditionary airlift. AAR’s products include cargo systems and containers; mobility systems and shelters; advanced aerostructures; and command and control systems. More information can be found at www.aarcorp.com.