AAR Corp has entered into a definitive agreement to purchase aircraft interior engineering company Aircraft Reconfig Technologies from ZIM Aircraft Cabin Solutions for $35 million in an all-cash transaction, subject to customary adjustments.
Once closed, the acquisition will immediately expand AAR Corp’s engineering and certification capabilities in its repair and engineering segment, allowing it to further differentiate itself as the leading independent MRO provider in North America.
Aircraft Reconfig Technologies is an engineering company specialized in the reconfiguration of passenger aircraft for leading airlines worldwide.
The company’s full-service solutions include project management, engineering and certification for aircraft interior reconfigurations.
Founded in 1990, the company’s approximately 100 team members are based in Greensboro, North Carolina.
A FAA Part 21 and 183 Organization Designation Authorization (ODA) holder, Aircraft Reconfig Technologies’ intellectual property portfolio includes patents, parts manufacturer approval (PMA), and supplemental type certificates.
The addition of these qualifications to AAR Corp’s engineering and repair segment will expand its design capabilities for more complex aircraft modification work to complement its MRO offering.
The ODA designation will also minimize AAR’s reliance on third parties for design certification.
John M. Holmes, Chairman, President and CEO of AAR Corp, said: “Mergers and acquisitions are an important element of AAR’s continued growth strategy. This acquisition will elevate AAR’s in-house engineering and certification services to drive proprietary solutions as part of our broader MRO offering.
“We look forward to welcoming the capable team at Aircraft Reconfig Technologies to AAR.”
Tom Hoferer, senior vice president of repair and engineering at AAR, said: “This acquisition will add incremental engineering capabilities that will further differentiate AAR and allow us to expand our total addressable market.
“In addition, by combining Aircraft Reconfig Technologies qualifications with A.R.“Given MRO’s leadership position in MRO, we will be able to provide internal certification for our engineering solutions, which will enhance our offering to customers and create opportunities for AAR to undertake additional work.”
The transaction is expected to close in the fourth quarter of AAR’s fiscal 2026, subject to customary closing conditions, including the receipt of certain regulatory approvals. The acquisition is expected to be accretive to both margins and profits.
READ MORE NEWS: AAR extends commercial distribution agreement with Arkwin
