AAR (NYSE: AIR) announces the Department of the Navy, Naval Supply Systems Command (NAVSUP) has awarded a contract to its Airlift division to provide personnel recovery airlift services in West Africa. The total value of the contract is approximately $49 million, inclusive of all option periods.

AAR Airlift will provide personnel recovery, casualty evacuation, (CASEVAC) and search and rescue (SAR) services in support of U.S. Africa Command (USAFRICOM) using rotary-wing and short takeoff and landing fixed-wing platforms. The aircraft will be based in Niamey, Niger, and will service an area of responsibility encompassing a 500-mile radius to include parts of Ghana, Togo, Mali, Burkina Faso, Benin, and Nigeria.

“AAR Airlift is extremely proud to support America’s service members in this critically important mission. We have an extensive history of operations in sub-Saharan Africa and a very distinguished record of providing fixed- and rotary-wing search and rescue, and personnel recovery operations in austere environments, as well as over-water,” said Randy J. Martinez, President and CEO, AAR Airlift Group. “Together with our comprehensive aviation services in Uganda, the Central African Republic and surrounding areas, Niger represents an important element of our Africa strategy.”

NAVSUP provides Navy, Marine Corps, and Joint and Allied Forces with products and services that deliver combat capability through sustained global logistics and quality-of-life support to warfighters. USAFRICOM is one of six of the U.S. Department of Defense’s (DOD) geographic combatant commands and is responsible for military relations with African nations, the African Union, and African regional security organizations.

AAR Airlift provides expeditionary airlift services in support of contingency operations worldwide.  The company provides passenger and cargo transport, aeromedical services, night vision operations, search and rescue, and other special mission services. AAR Airlift’s fleet of fixed- and rotary-wing aircraft serves the U.S. DoD in Afghanistan, Africa and the Western Pacific.

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.