AAR has been selected by regional carrier CommutAir to provide ongoing support services for its newly inducted ERJ 145 aircraft. AAR will provide full cost per flight hour (CpFH) services for rotable components including inventory management, logistics, overhaul and repair. In addition, AAR will also provide wheel, tire and brake maintenance and inventory services for the new fleet under a full cost per landing structure (CpL).
The two multiyear contracts with CommutAir bundle the capabilities of two AAR divisions into a single integrated offering for tip-to-tail fleet support. Component repairs, including wheel, tire and brakes, will be performed at AAR Landing Gear in Miami, AAR Component Services in Garden City, New York, and other AAR managed repair facilities. AAR Supply Chain Services will manage component inventory, logistics and repair cycles, accessing rotable and replacement parts through its global warehouse and supply network. Both contracts include a guaranteed service level.
AAR’s digital platforms will also enable the airline to track the progress of work in real time, including on select mobile devices. AAR will deploy its proprietary predictive-maintenance software to ensure the right parts are in the right place at the right time. Using cutting-edge analytics, AAR anticipates repair needs to minimize unscheduled events and aircraft-on-ground-time, crucial to carriers’ success.
CommutAir, which operates on behalf of United Airlines as United Express, recently announced plans to triple the size of its fleet with the induction of 40 Embraer 145 jet aircraft over the next two years. Since its start in 1989, CommutAir has grown to serve more than 1.4 million passengers annually and currently averages 100 flights a day to more than 20 cities within the United States. The regional carrier is based near Cleveland Hopkins International Airport in Ohio. Its main hubs are Washington Dulles Airport and Newark Liberty International Airport.
“CommutAir recognized AAR has the bandwidth, expertise and experience to support its fleet maintenance and growth strategy,” said Ken Hein, Senior Vice President, AAR Supply Chain. “This is the latest example of AAR’s unique ability to provide tip-to-tail support of new and legacy fleets. We are excited to grow our longstanding partnership.”
“Our goal was to partner with a turnkey service provider offering predictable costs and superior reliability as we execute our growth plans as a regional partner of United Airlines,” said Subodh Karnik, President and CEO of CommutAir. “The depth and breadth of AAR is very impressive, and we look forward to partnering with them to carry out our promise to deliver a safe and reliable product for our customers, partners and employees.”