WOOD DALE, ILLINOIS, April 17, 2001 - AAR (NYSE: AIR) announced today that Michael N. Beckstead has joined AAR as President and General Manager, AAR Distribution reporting to Joe Gullion. In his new role, he will be responsible for the Company's new parts distribution operations in Elk Grove Village, Illinois.

"We are pleased that Mike has joined AAR," said AAR President and CEO, David P. Storch. "Our goal is to continually develop dynamic leaders to keep the Company at the forefront of the aviation services industry. The addition of Mike, along with Joe last month, helps strengthen our leadership team as we move forward and position AAR for the future."

Beckstead brings more than 19 years of broad-based experience, including positions in business development, logistics, strategic planning, sales and finance for Honeywell and Navistar International. Most recently, Beckstead was Group Director, Business Development for Honeywell's Aerospace Services Group.

AAR Distribution provides high-quality, factory-new products to the commercial, regional, business and general aviation markets. AAR is the preeminent provider of products and value-added services to the worldwide aerospace/aviation industry. Products and services include proprietary inventory management and logistic support services, encompassing supply, repair and manufacture of spare parts and systems. Headquartered in Wood Dale, Illinois, AAR serves commercial and government aircraft fleet operators and independent service customers throughout the world. Further information can be found at www.aarcorp.com