Aviation services provider AAR and partners have marked the start of construction on the new maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) facility in Oklahoma City, US.
A ground-breaking ceremony was held for the new three-bay facility being built adjacent to AAR's current operations at Will Rogers World Airport.
More than 150 attendees, including representatives from AAR, Alaska Airlines, and state and local governments, attended the groundbreaking.
This development is said to be in response to an expanded maintenance commitment from Alaska Airlines, which has been an AAR customer for more than two decades.
The expansion will provide AAR more than 80,000ft² of additional hangar and warehouse space to accommodate all 737 variants, including 737-10 models.
AAR chairman, president and CEO John Holmes said: “Today’s groundbreaking has been made possible thanks to collaborative efforts across AAR and Alaska Airlines, partnerships with Oklahoma City Airport Trust, and state and local representatives who are passionate about expanding aviation in Oklahoma.
“We are especially excited about creating 200 additional full-time careers with AAR, which we expect to fill through local technical schools and workforce development partners who create opportunities through aviation-centric programming, such as Choose Aerospace.”
The project, expected to be operational by January 2026, received funding through a grant secured by Oklahoma legislators.
The remaining costs are anticipated to be covered through rent concessions from the airport.
JE Dunn is leading the construction effort.
JE Dunn Oklahoma City vice-president Jason Bishop said: “This groundbreaking isn't just about constructing a hangar. It's about cultivating an excellent experience for all involved.
“JE Dunn is honoured to bring our construction expertise and leadership and partner with The Oklahoma City Airport Trust (OCAT) to support the business growth happening in our city.”
This comes just after AAR commenced construction on its MRO facility at Miami International Airport, Florida earlier in April 2024.
