February 14, 2012
AAR Hires New Vice President of Business Development for Asia Pacific Region
Former Boeing executive to develop growth strategies to expand customer base
SINGAPORE — AAR (NYSE: AIR) announces it has selected a former Boeing executive, Robert Laird, to be the new Vice President of Business Development for the Asia Pacific region. Laird joins the company with 30 years of aviation experience and has worked closely with airlines throughout the region, including in China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines.
Laird will ultimately be responsible for developing AAR’s growth strategies and increasing visibility of the company’s diverse products and services. He also will maintain an office at AAR’s Chicago-area headquarters, located in Wood Dale, Illinois, U.S.A., and act as the single point of contact for the Asia Pacific region to improve customer access.
Laird said he will focus on raising AAR’s profile as a full service aviation support company, and wants AAR’s Asia Pacific customers to regard him as a direct line to leadership.
“It is important that our Asia Pacific customers understand the breadth of AAR’s capabilities and how they can leverage the company’s wealth of experience and outstanding track record to help them operate more efficiently and cost effectively,” Laird said. “My goal is to position our Asia Pacific operations as a gateway of access to our full range of aircraft support services around the world. AAR is doing great things, and I look forward to building on its success and broadening its customer base.”
Laird is experienced in all aspects of airline management, including finance, operations, marketing and sales, purchasing, maintenance and engineering. As Vice President, Asia Sales, for Boeing, he managed a diverse team and developed new markets to expand the company’s presence. He also worked closely with the airlines and government entities to improve infrastructure, talent management and operational efficiencies.
“Rob understands the impact of regional and global economic influences, and recognizes the importance of developing and maintaining strong customer relationships,” said Timothy J. Romenesko, AAR President and Chief Operating Officer. “His wealth of experience working with commercial airlines in the region will be a major benefit to AAR and our global customer base as we expand into the Asian market and access new opportunities.”
About AAR
AAR is a global aftermarket solutions company that employs more than 6,000 people in over 20 countries. Based in Wood Dale, Illinois, AAR supports commercial aviation and government customers through two operating segments: Aviation Services and Expeditionary Services. AAR’s Aviation Services include inventory management; parts supply; OEM parts distribution; aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul; engineering services and component repair. AAR’s Expeditionary Services include airlift operations; mobility systems; and command and control centers in support of military and humanitarian missions. More information can be found at www.aarcorp.com.
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This press release contains certain statements relating to future results, which are forward-looking statements as that term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements are based on beliefs of Company management, as well as assumptions and estimates based on information currently available to the Company, and are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from historical results or those anticipated, including those factors discussed under Item 1A, entitled “Risk Factors”, included in the Company’s Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2018. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize adversely, or should underlying assumptions or estimates prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described. These events and uncertainties are difficult or impossible to predict accurately and many are beyond the Company’s control. The Company assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of such statements or to reflect the occurrence of anticipated or unanticipated events. For additional information, see the comments included in AAR’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
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