Led by John M. Holmes, AAR is a top independent provider of aviation parts and services to commercial and government customers worldwide. In this episode, Holmes discusses his career journey to becoming AAR’s Chairman, President and CEO, and AAR’s industry leading solutions they offer their customers to increase efficiency and reduce overall costs, while maintaining high levels of quality, service, and safety.
In this episode of “A Moment with…,” you will meet John M. Holmes and learn about his career journey to becoming Chairman, President and CEO of AAR, an independent provider of aviation parts and services to commercial and government customers worldwide. A Chicago-based company, AAR offers industry leading solutions to its customers to increase efficiency and reduce overall costs, while maintaining high levels of quality, service, and safety. With locations across the globe, AAR operates four segments: Parts Supply, Repair & Engineering, Integrated Solutions, and Expeditionary Services.
Founded in 1955, AAR is preparing to celebrate 70 years of serving customers. What started as a one-person operation for supplying radio parts has become a premier aircraft parts distributor and MRO service provider for airlines and operators across the globe.
Holmes joined AAR on September 10, 2001, one day prior to the tragic September 11th events, which greatly impacted the world and the aviation industry. Holmes rapidly helped the Company pivot its operations while assuming greater levels of responsibility. He became AAR’s third CEO in 2017.
“Growing up, I always wanted to become a CEO. I knew I wanted a career in business from a very early age.”
John M. Holmes
Over the course of the last few years, Holmes has grown the Company through multiple acquisitions, including Airinmar, Premier Aviation, Trax, and, most recently, Triumph Product Support. The acquisitions have expanded the Company’s capabilities portfolio and workforce.
Under his leadership, the Company earned recognition as one of America’s Greatest Workplaces and received FAA acceptance of its corporate safety management system program.
“The best part of my job is the people. We have an incredible team of 6,000 people around the world. I’ve been at the Company for 22 years and having the opportunity to grow up with so many on the team, and being able to build the team, has been a rewarding experience.”
John M. Holmes
Holmes has a great appreciation for the Company’s workforce and champions AAR’s belief in Doing It Right® for its customers, team members, and stakeholders. Holmes not only serves as Chairman, President and CEO of AAR but is also a proud supporter of the Chicago community through participation on many local boards.
