#United States #Oklahoma City #AAR CORP #KIRA Aviation #KALS LLC

AAR and KIRA Establish KALS LLC: A New Era in Military Aviation Training

In a significant move for military aviation support, AAR CORP., a prominent provider of aviation services, has teamed up with KIRA Aviation Services to create a joint venture named KALS LLC. This partnership, established under the Small Business Administration's Mentor-Protégé Program, aims to meet the escalating demands of the Department of Defense, specifically focusing on pilot training for the U.S. Navy’s sophisticated E-6B Mercury aircraft.

Partnership Goals and Initiatives

KALS LLC has been granted a firm fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract to deliver essential in-flight training and proficiency assessments for Navy aviators. The contract is set to be executed in Oklahoma City and will continue until March 2027. This collaboration not only strengthens the support provided to the Navy but also emphasizes KIRA’s commitment to expanding its operational capabilities as a small business.

Lt. General (ret) John Cooper, Senior Vice President of Global Government and Defense at AAR, expressed great enthusiasm regarding the venture. He stated, “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.”

Conversely, Beth Hershner, Vice President of Operations at KIRA, highlighted how KALS will help facilitate the Navy's mission while also aiding the federal government in achieving its small business objectives. The joint venture promises to utilize AAR’s extensive experience alongside KIRA’s award-winning services to provide unparalleled aviation maintenance and supply chain solutions.

Significance of the Mentor-Protégé Program

The formation of KALS LLC reflects the critical role that the Mentor-Protégé Program plays in supporting small businesses within the aviation industry. Through this initiative, AAR will not only share its industry expertise but will also provide KIRA with essential training, thereby equipping the smaller firm with a robust skill set for future growth opportunities. Such partnerships enhance the operational efficiency of government contracts while empowering smaller entities to thrive in competitive environments.

AAR and KIRA: Company Backgrounds

AAR CORP. is recognized globally for its extensive aftermarket support, catering to both commercial and governmental clients across more than 20 countries. With a diverse range of services ranging from parts supply and repair to integrated military solutions, AAR stands at the forefront of the aviation industry.

On the other hand, KIRA Aviation Services, a subsidiary of the Tlingit Haida Tribal Business Corporation, specializes in governmental logistics and facility maintenance. As a protégé firm, KIRA’s affiliation with the Mentor-Protégé Program enables it to leverage AAR’s vast resources, thereby enhancing its operational capabilities.

Looking Ahead

The establishment of KALS LLC is a progressive step in the enhancement of military training support services, ensuring the U.S. Navy is equipped with the trained pilots needed for operational readiness. By merging their strengths, AAR and KIRA are poised to not only fulfill the Navy's immediate pilot training needs but also to set a framework for future projects that could arise from this partnership. The joint venture exemplifies how collaborative efforts can address pressing defense requirements while fostering small business growth within the aviation sector.

Overall, KALS LLC represents a significant advancement in the military aviation landscape, promising improved training outcomes and operational efficacy for the U.S. Navy. As this partnership unfolds, it will be intriguing to observe how both companies will continue to innovate and respond to the evolving challenges of military aviation training.