MELBOURNE, FLORIDA (April 18, 2011) — AAR (NYSE: AIR) announced today from grand opening ceremonies at its newest Florida locations, that the Company has completed the relocation its new airlift and aircraft modifications businesses to Melbourne and opened a new headquarters and administrative office for these businesses in nearby Palm Bay.

Among dignitaries joining AAR executives to commemorate AAR’s newest Florida locations, were U.S. Senator, Bill Nelson; Florida State Senate President, Mike Haridopolos; State Senator, Thad Altman; Brevard County Commissioner, Robin Fisher; Mayor of Melbourne and Chairman of the Melbourne Airport Authority, Harry Goode; and Palm Bay Mayor, John Mazziotti.

“We are extremely pleased and excited to call the Space Coast our new home for this fast-growing business,” said David P. Storch, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of AAR CORP. “Today would not have been possible without the outstanding support and commitment of the State of Florida, its economic development groups and the communities of Melbourne and Palm Bay. We look forward to becoming an active and committed member of the Space Coast community.”

AAR completed the relocation of its Airlift Group and Aircraft Services facilities to hangars, facilities and offices at and near Melbourne International Airport, where the Company employs 225, reaching its stated goal of 225 jobs by the end of 2012 more than a year ahead of plan. The businesses operate as part of AAR’s Airlift Group, with airlift services offered by AAR Airlift and specialized aircraft modifications performed by AAR Aircraft Services – Melbourne. AAR Airlift Group is led by Jeffrey Schloesser, a former U.S. Army major general with more than 20 years of senior-level leadership and operations experience, which includes leading the Army’s modernization and transformation plan for a fleet of 4,000 aircraft and 76,000 personnel.

AAR collaborated with elected officials from the State, economic development groups and the cities of Melbourne and Palm Bay to identify locations that would support AAR’s requirement for world-class flight operations, warehousing and administrative facilities and to develop partnerships to ensure the future growth of the business.

“This is a grand occasion that commemorates a new beginning for this fine business,” said U.S. Senator Bill Nelson. “AAR’s addition to the growing Space Coast community will have a major impact on our ability to attract other reputable businesses and with so many exciting programs on the horizon; the sky is truly the limit for Florida’s Space Coast.”

Senate President Mike Haridopolos said, “Today is an exciting day because AAR as so many people on the state and locals levels came together to create new jobs and new opportunities in this community. Florida’s Space Coast offers access to an outstanding talent pool as well as stability and support for top-notch companies, like AAR, looking to grow their business.”

“Companies like AAR will create the types of jobs we need in Florida during this critical time of transition in the aerospace industry,” noted State Senator Thad Altman, who represents East Central Florida. “In addition, the AAR’s technological expertise and capabilities for the Department of Defense, there is excellent potential for AAR and Florida to partner in the areas of emergency management preparation and civil defense.”

Melbourne Mayor and Airport Authority Chairman, Harry Goode echoed the sentiment adding, “We certainly welcome AAR to the City of Melbourne. The company is locating aviation operations at the Melbourne International Airport that will benefit the economy of our community and region. At the same time, we are welcoming a trusted company with an international reputation for providing critical services to both private industry and government."

“AAR is well-established in the commercial aviation and defense industries and will help spur continued innovation to Florida’s aerospace industry,” said Commissioner Robin Fisher, Chairman, Brevard County Board of County Commissioners. “We are extremely pleased to welcome them to Brevard County.”

“AAR is a wonderful addition to Palm Bay’s business community,” said City of Palm Bay Mayor John Mazziotti. “AAR is a leader in their industry and we are excited that they are bringing employment for our talented Brevard County workforce.”

AAR currently has facilities in Clearwater, Jacksonville, Medley and Miami, employing more than 1,600 highly-skilled employees and contributing approximately $150 million annually in economic impact to the State of Florida. The new Melbourne and Palm Bay locations are projected to add an additional $42.3 million annually to the State’s economy.

“A strong, cohesive effort from multiple partners resulted in our success in attracting AAR to the Space Coast,” said Lynda Weatherman, President & CEO of the Economic Development Commission of Florida’s Space Coast. “We are delighted that AAR recognized our competitive advantages and look forward to the company’s continued growth here on the Space Coast.”

AAR’s David P. Storch expressed the Company’s gratitude to the organizations that contributed to the success of the relocation, including: Space Florida, Enterprise Florida, the Brevard County Board of County Commissioners, Brevard Workforce, Melbourne International Airport the cities of Melbourne and Palm Bay.

About AAR
AAR is a leading provider of value-added products and services to the worldwide aerospace and defense industry. With facilities and sales locations around the world, AAR uses its close-to-the-customer business model to serve aviation and government/defense customers through three operating segments: Aviation Supply Chain; Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul; and Structures and Systems. More information can be found at www.aarcorp.com.

Named One of the Most Trustworthy Companies by Forbes.

This press release contains certain statements relating to future results, which are forward-looking statements as that term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements are based on beliefs of Company management, as well as assumptions and estimates based on information currently available to the Company, and are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from historical results or those anticipated, including those factors discussed under Item 1A, entitled “Risk Factors”, included in the Company’s May 31, 2009 Form 10-K. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize adversely, or should underlying assumptions or estimates prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described. These events and uncertainties are difficult or impossible to predict accurately and many are beyond the Company’s control. The Company assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of such statements or to reflect the occurrence of anticipated or unanticipated events. For additional information, see the comments included in AAR’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.