New Joint Venture Wins Navy Training Deal

AAR CORP., a provider of aviation services to commercial and government operators, MROs, and OEMs, 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 firm 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.

The joint venture, 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 and stands to benefit from expanding its capabilities. Through the Mentor-Protégé Program, AAR will share its aviation expertise and provide KIRA with training, developing a new set of skills for the small business and positioning it for future growth. 

“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.