Page 16 - AAA NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2014 Online Magazine

FEATURE AAR
FEATURE AAR

Spreading Wings

AAR increases its global presence through acquisitions and customer-driven solutions
By Jay Menon

GLObAL COMMERCIAL AEROSPACE AND Asia,” Shah said.
defence contractor AAR intends to widen AAR has the experience and the talent
its supply chain distribution network and to meet the needs of customers in different
inventory for the Asian market in an effort regions and regulatory environments, and
to improve its revenue from the region. is well-positioned to create solutions for
AAR is a recognized leader in the the growing commercial sector, he said.
areas of aviation supply chain services,
aircraft MRO, cargo systems and Global Presence
specialized mobility products. From its In recent years, the U.S.-based
global operations AAR serves customers commercial aviation and defence
in 110 countries around the world, with contractor has increased its global
international sales currently making up presence through acquisitions and
nearly a quarter of its annual sales. customer-driven solutions, such as its
“My goal is to secure 50 per cent of our parts supply warehouses in Amsterdam
business from outside North America in and Singapore, and component repair Rahul Shah, Senior Vice-President and
the next three years,” AAR’s Rahul Shah, facility in Germany. AAR designs Managing Director for Asia, AAR
Senior Vice-President and Managing lightweight transport solutions that save
Director for Asia said in a recent interview. on fuel costs and its advanced cargo
For this, the supply chain needs loading systems help reduce manpower
to be consolidated since there are too and the chance of injury.
many players at the moment. “With our Its customers in Asia include the
expertise in managing the supply chain government of Singapore, and Japan
and conducting maintenance, repair and Airlines, Korean Air, Xiamen Airlines and
overhaul, AAR is considering acquisitions Hong Kong Airlines.
to get a foothold for additional business in “Airlines around the world are looking
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