A conversation with aviation defense innovator AAR CORP.
Photo courtesy of AAR CORP.
From precision and advanced materials manufacturing to sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), Illinois is home to one of the nation’s most competitive and connected ecosystems for aerospace and defense innovation.
One Illinois-based company that stands out for its ability to adapt and thrive within the rapidly evolving defense and aerospace sector is AAR CORP., a leading provider of aircraft maintenance, parts, and software to top airlines and governments across the globe.
We asked AAR about its deep roots and successes in Illinois as it seeks to build on its record FY25 growth.
70 Years and Counting in Illinois
AAR is celebrating its 70th anniversary in operation in 2025. With humble beginnings selling aircraft radio equipment across Chicagoland to meet the growing demands of the then-burgeoning aviation industry, AAR has evolved into the largest independent maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) company in North America.
Led by Illinois EDC board member John M. Holmes, who is only the third CEO in company history, AAR prides itself on its mission of Doing It Right® and its dynamic partnerships with customers, communities, and educational institutions.
With over 700 employees in Illinois today, including at its Wood Dale headquarters and Rockford MRO facility, AAR attributes its growth to the state’s deep bench of skilled talent, collaborative business environment, access to cultural and entertainment amenities that contribute to a high quality of life for its employees, and prime proximity to top airports—O’Hare (one of the most connected airports in the world and most connected in the U.S.!) and Chicago Rockford (among the fastest growing cargo airports in the world!).
Record Growth in FY25
As outlined in its FY25 Annual Report, AAR achieved record revenue ($2.8 billion, an increase of 20% from FY24), adjusted EBITDA and EPS in FY25, taking the company well above its pre-pandemic highs.
Additionally, in FY25, AAR:
- Saw success from its FY23 acquisition of Trax, a leading aviation maintenance software company. With innovation and investment support from AAR, Trax doubled its revenue and continued to support leading airlines in their digital transformation efforts.
- Substantially completed the integration of the product support business it acquired in FY24, expanding its aviation component maintenance and repair business.
- Expanded and extended relationships with existing original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and added new OEMs, driving more value for both commercial and government customers.
At the heart of AAR’s success is its global network of 6,000 employees. The company is recognized for its inclusive and welcoming work environment, earning a ‘Great Place to Work™’ certification and being designated as a ‘Military Friendly® Gold Employer’ in FY25.
Looking forward to FY26, AAR is focused on winning new business, becoming more efficient, and advancing its digital offerings while continuing to provide exceptional value to customers, offering developmental opportunities to its team, and giving back to the communities in which it operates.
Photo courtesy of AAR CORP.
Soaring in Rockford
A great case study of growth is AAR’s MRO facility in Rockford, which has expanded from ~35 employees at the facility’s 2016 founding to 400 employees today.
“We’re like surgeons,” said Troy Primus, the general manager of AAR Airframe MRO in Rockford. “We’re the guys that may be the last line of defense and making sure the aircraft are airworthy, making sure things are done right. So, our job is rather critical. We take it very seriously.”
AAR attributes the facility’s success to its positive team culture and relationships with customers, proximity to AAR’s Wood Dale headquarters, and access to top local talent through its award-winning workforce development program with Rock Valley College.
Supported by an Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) grant, AAR has grown and accelerated its pipeline of skilled technicians in Rockford in partnership with Rock Valley College. With roughly 10-20 students participating annually, AAR’s fellowship program allows students to work at the MRO facility part-time while completing an Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) certification at Rock Valley College. Of the facility’s 400 employees, roughly 50 graduated from Rock Valley College —helping further AAR’s mission to lead in aerospace and defense globally, starting right here in Illinois.
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