This article is based on an official press release from AAR CORP. and verified industry data.

AAR CORP. Completes Major MRO Expansion in Oklahoma City to Support Alaska Airlines Fleet

AAR CORP. (NYSE: AIR), a leading provider of aviation services to commercial and government operators, has substantially completed a major expansion of its Airframe Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility at Will Rogers World Airport in Oklahoma City. According to the company’s official announcement on January 28, 2026, the project adds significant capacity designed to support a long-term commitment from Alaska Airlines.

The expansion creates 200 new full-time jobs in the region and introduces advanced digital capabilities to the maintenance floor. The new facility is situated adjacent to AAR’s existing hangar, reinforcing the company’s 50-year presence in Oklahoma. This development comes as airlines increasingly seek to secure long-term maintenance slots to ensure fleet reliability amid high travel demand.

Facility Specifications and Capacity

The newly completed project involves the addition of more than 80,000 square feet of hangar and warehouse space. AAR reports that the expansion includes three new maintenance bays specifically configured to accommodate all variants of the Boeing 737, including the larger 737 MAX 10 model. This physical growth allows AAR to induct additional Alaska Airlines aircraft immediately.

The total cost of the project was approximately $37.5 million. Funding was supported by a collaborative effort between the private sector and state government. The State of Oklahoma provided a $20 million grant to facilitate the construction, while the Oklahoma City Airport Trust offered rent concessions to ensure the project’s viability.

Strategic Partnerships with Alaska Airlines

This expansion is the direct result of a deepened partnership between AAR and Alaska Airlines, a relationship that has spanned over two decades. The new bays are dedicated primarily to servicing Alaska’s growing fleet of Boeing 737 aircraft.

In a statement regarding the completion of the facility, John M. Holmes, Chairman, President, and CEO of AAR, emphasized the collaborative nature of the project:

“We are very grateful for Alaska’s trust… We are excited for this new chapter and our decades-long relationship.”

Holmes further noted that the “friendly environment” of the airport and the “availability of labor” were critical pillars that enabled the expansion to proceed.

Digital Transformation and “Paperless” Operations

Beyond physical square footage, the expansion marks a technological milestone for AAR. The company describes the new facility as a leader in digital MRO operations. According to the announcement and industry data, AAR is implementing a fully paperless maintenance system, a move they claim is an industry first for a third-party MRO operating across multiple customers.

The initiative replaces traditional paper work packages, which can exceed 600 pages per check, with digital tablets and interfaces. This shift is designed to reduce turnaround times, improve compliance tracking, and eliminate significant paper waste. The system utilizes software integrations such as Airvolution for cloud-based repair management and Trax for maintenance workflows.

AirPro News Analysis

The completion of AAR’s Oklahoma City expansion highlights a critical trend in the aviation aftermarket: the race for dedicated capacity. As airlines like Alaska Airlines extend the lifecycles of their existing fleets while awaiting new deliveries, the demand for heavy maintenance slots has outpaced supply. By securing dedicated bays, Alaska Airlines mitigates the risk of maintenance bottlenecks.

Furthermore, the shift toward a “paperless” hangar is not merely an environmental gesture; it is an efficiency play. In the low-margin MRO sector, digitizing task cards allows for real-time data entry and faster regulatory audits, potentially shaving hours or days off a heavy check. If AAR successfully scales this digital model across its network, it could set a new standard for third-party maintenance efficiency.

Sources

Sources: AAR CORP. Press Release