AAR CORP. has formed a joint venture, KALS LLC, with KIRA Aviation Services under the federal government’s Small Business Administration Mentor-Protégé Program. The joint venture was recently awarded an E-6B Mercury pilot training contract by the U.S. Navy.
Under a fixed-price indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract, KALS will provide in-flight training and currency for Naval Aviators in support of the U.S. Navy’s E-6B Mercury pilot training. KALS will perform the work in Oklahoma City through March 2027.
KALS was established by AAR and KIRA to meet Department of Defense needs for maintenance and supply chain services. KIRA currently provides base operations and facility support to the U.S. government.
Through the Mentor-Protégé Program, AAR will share its aviation expertise and provide KIRA with training. The KALS joint venture combines AAR’s experience and reach-back with the service reputation of KIRA.
“We are excited to help solve an urgent need of the U.S. Navy through this joint venture. The combined capabilities of AAR and KIRA will ensure the Navy receives outstanding pilot training for the Department’s critical national mission,” said Lt. General (r) John Cooper, AAR’s senior vice president of global government and defense.
“KIRA is thrilled to swiftly bring this critical support to the Navy. By combining the breadth and depth of experience of our two companies, KALS helps the Navy enhance their mission and helps the federal government meet their small business goals,” said Beth Hershner, Tlingit Haida Tribal Business Corporation’s vice president of operations, information technology and engineering professional services.
