AAR Named Authorized Service Center for Eaton in EMEA Aerospace MRO

AAR and Eaton Forge Strategic Alliance: A New Era for Aerospace MRO in EMEA

In a significant move for the aviation aftermarket sector, AAR CORP. (NYSE: AIR), a prominent provider of aviation services, has officially partnered with Eaton, an intelligent power management company. On October 15, 2025, the two industry leaders announced an agreement designating AAR as an authorized service center for Eaton’s commercial aerospace customers across the Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) region. This collaboration marks a pivotal development, promising to enhance the maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) landscape for airlines operating within these territories.

The partnership brings together two powerhouses of the aerospace industry. AAR has built a global reputation as a leading aftermarket solutions company, supporting commercial and government clients through a wide range of services, including parts supply, repair, engineering, and integrated solutions. On the other side, Eaton stands as a global leader in power management, with a significant footprint in the aerospace sector, providing critical systems and components for aircraft worldwide. This agreement leverages AAR’s extensive MRO capabilities and Eaton’s OEMs expertise to create a new, reliable service channel for airlines.

For commercial operators in the EMEA region, the availability of a new, authorized MRO option is more than just a matter of convenience; it directly impacts operational efficiency, cost management, and, most importantly, safety. The maintenance of complex aircraft components, such as hydraulic systems, requires precision, adherence to strict standards, and the use of genuine parts. By establishing a localized, OEM-backed service center, AAR and Eaton are addressing a critical need for high-quality, dependable MRO services, setting a new benchmark for customer support in the region.

Deconstructing the Partnership: Scope and Strategy

The agreement is meticulously structured to ensure the highest standards of service and quality. All repair and overhaul work will be conducted at AAR’s state-of-the-art Component Services facility in Amsterdam. This strategic location offers logistical advantages for airlines across the EMEA region, potentially reducing shipping times and costs associated with sending components for repair. The initial focus of the partnership will be on the repair and overhaul of Eaton’s hydraulic components, specifically hydraulic pumps used in large commercial aircraft.

Hydraulic systems are the lifeblood of modern aircraft, powering critical functions such as flight controls, landing gear deployment, and braking systems. Their reliability is non-negotiable. Recognizing this, the agreement stipulates that AAR will exclusively use official Eaton repair documentation and OEM spare parts for all MRO activities. This commitment ensures that every repaired component meets the original manufacturer’s stringent specifications, guaranteeing the same level of performance, durability, and safety as a new part. For airlines, this provides peace of mind and ensures full compliance with aviation regulations.

The establishment of an authorized service center offers a distinct advantage over independent, non-authorized repair shops. As an authorized partner, AAR gains direct access to Eaton’s technical support, engineering expertise, and latest service bulletins. This direct line to the OEM means that AAR’s technicians are equipped with the most current knowledge and resources to handle even the most complex repairs. This collaboration provides airlines with a compelling third-party MRO alternative that does not compromise on the quality and reliability associated with the original manufacturer.

“This is an exciting approach for customers who desire quality and durability in a third-party MRO alternative.” – Jim Berberet, AAR’s Senior Vice President of Component Services

A Synergy of Titans: AAR, Eaton, and the Future Outlook

The foundation of this agreement is the combined strength and reputation of its participants. AAR CORP. is a global aerospace and defense aftermarket solutions company with a robust presence in over 20 countries. Its operations are diversified across four key segments: Parts Supply, Repair & Engineering, Integrated Solutions, and Expeditionary Services. This extensive network and deep expertise in the MRO field make AAR an ideal partner to execute Eaton’s service standards in the EMEA region.

Eaton, in turn, is a global technology leader in power management. The company, which reported significant revenues in 2024, serves a diverse range of markets, including aerospace, data centers, and mobility, with customers in more than 160 countries. Its Aerospace Group is a premier supplier of systems and components for hydraulic, fuel, and electrical systems. This agreement represents an evolution of the existing relationship between the two companies, moving beyond spare parts distribution into a more integrated service partnership.

Looking ahead, the partnership is poised for growth. AAR has already indicated plans to broaden its service portfolio to include additional Eaton products and potentially expand its authorized services to other regions in the future. This forward-looking approach aligns with broader industry trends, where airlines are increasingly seeking comprehensive, reliable, and cost-effective aftermarket solutions. The collaboration between an MRO leader and an OEM giant like Eaton creates a powerful model that enhances the entire service ecosystem, ultimately benefiting the airlines that keep the world moving.

“Our strategic agreement with AAR demonstrates our commitment to improving customer satisfaction by offering airlines expanded options for hydraulic pump repairs and extends our collaboration beyond spare parts distribution.” – Matt Norman, Vice President, Aftermarket and Commercial Services for Eaton’s Aerospace Group

Conclusion: A New Benchmark in Aftermarket Support

The strategic agreement between AAR and Eaton is a landmark development for the aerospace MRO sector in the EMEA region. By combining AAR’s proven repair and overhaul capabilities with Eaton’s OEM expertise, the partnership delivers a powerful new value proposition to commercial airlines. It provides a much-needed authorized service option for critical hydraulic components, ensuring that repairs are performed to the highest standards of quality, safety, and reliability using genuine OEM parts and documentation.

Ultimately, this collaboration reflects a broader shift in the aviation industry toward more integrated and customer-centric aftermarket solutions. It underscores the growing importance of strong partnerships between OEMs and MRO providers to meet the evolving needs of airlines. For operators in the EMEA region, this means enhanced service options, greater operational efficiency, and the assurance that their aircraft are maintained with an unwavering commitment to quality. The AAR-Eaton alliance is not just a business agreement; it is a blueprint for the future of aerospace aftermarket support.

FAQ

Question: What is the core of the agreement between AAR and Eaton?
Answer: AAR CORP. has been named an authorized service center for Eaton’s commercial aerospace customers in the Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) region. AAR will provide repair and overhaul services for Eaton’s components.

Question: Which specific services will AAR provide initially?
Answer: The initial focus will be on the repair and overhaul of hydraulic components, particularly hydraulic pumps for large commercial aircraft.

Question: Where will the repair services be performed?
Answer: All services under this agreement will be performed at AAR’s Component Services facility in Amsterdam.

Question: Why is it significant that AAR is an “authorized” service center?
Answer: As an authorized center, AAR will use official Eaton repair documentation and genuine OEM spare parts, ensuring that all work meets the original manufacturer’s strict quality and safety standards. This provides airlines with a reliable, high-quality alternative to sending parts back to the manufacturer.

Sources

PRNewswire