AAR CORP. (AAR) has partnered with KIRA Aviation Services to form a joint venture, KALS LLC, under the U.S. government's Small Business Administration Mentor-Protégé Programme. The newly formed venture has been awarded an E-6B Mercury pilot training contract by the U.S. Navy.
The contract, a firm fixed-price indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity agreement, requires KALS to provide in-flight training and currency for Naval Aviators in Oklahoma City, supporting the Navy's E-6B Mercury pilot training programme until March 2027.
KALS was established to address the Department of Defense's need for maintenance and supply chain services. KIRA, which currently provides base operations and facility support to the U.S. government, stands to benefit from expanding its service offerings through this collaboration. Under the Mentor-Protégé Programme, AAR will share its extensive aviation expertise with KIRA, helping to develop new capabilities and foster future growth for the small business.
This partnership combines AAR's broad industry experience with KIRA's top-tier service reputation, ensuring the U.S. Navy receives exceptional pilot training support for its critical national mission.
