May 06, 2014
AAR Defense Leader Gives Industry Keynote Speech at AIA Conference on Military Product Support
WOOD DALE, Illinois – Lt. General Donald Wetekam, USAF Retired and Senior Vice President of AAR CORP., (NYSE: AIR) gave an Industry Keynote speech today on the factors driving high sustainment costs within the Department of Defense (DoD) at the Aerospace Industries Association (AIA) Product Support Conference in Clearwater, Florida.
The AIA spring conference is focused on the topic of helping DoD meet current budget challenges by exploring approaches to quickly and effectively lower defense costs while preserving the technological advantage of U.S. warfighters. AIA and its member companies have consistently developed strategies and practices to support strong, affordable military readiness, which is directly tied to maintaining force structure.
In his address, Wetekam suggested that DoD adopt more of the best practices used in the commercial aerospace industry to reduce costs. As a senior team member at AAR Corp, a global commercial aviation and defense contractor, Wetekam is very familiar with the robust commercial aftermarket industry that has resulted in more competitive pricing.
“The current DoD budget challenges make this the right time to re-examine the status quo and benefit from lessons learned in the commercial aviation sector,” said Wetekam. “The commercial airlines have been safely and effectively using FAA-certified aftermarket and overhauled parts for years and most now outsource the majority of their heavy maintenance, repair and overhaul work. In fact, there is currently excess capacity at commercial MRO facilities in the U.S. that would yield some attractive pricing.”
In addition to MRO and Aviation Supply Chain services and products, AAR also serves military and government customers around the globe with specialized mobility products, inventory management of medical supplies, cargo systems, aircraft sales and leasing, aerospace structures and even expeditionary airlift service.
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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