AAR CORP. has announced a definitive agreement to acquire Aircraft Reconfig Technologies (ART), a leading aircraft interiors engineering and certification specialist, from ZIM Aircraft Cabin Solutions for US$35 million in an all-cash transaction, subject to customary adjustments.
The acquisition supports AAR’s accelerated M&A-led growth strategy. It is expected to immediately enhance the company’s Repair & Engineering segment by expanding its in-house aircraft interiors engineering, modification, and certification capabilities.
Founded in 1990, Aircraft Reconfig Technologies specialises in passenger aircraft interior reconfigurations for major global airlines, offering end-to-end solutions including project management, engineering, and certification. The company employs approximately 100 professionals and is headquartered in Greensboro, North Carolina.
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ART holds FAA Part 21 and Part 183 Organisation Designation Authorisation (ODA) approvals and boasts a strong intellectual property portfolio, including supplemental type certificates (STCs), parts manufacturer approvals (PMA), and patented interior solutions. Integrating these capabilities will allow AAR to undertake more complex aircraft cabin modification programmes while reducing reliance on third-party certification providers.
According to John M. Holmes, Chairman, President and CEO of AAR, the acquisition is a strategic step in strengthening AAR’s value proposition as an independent MRO provider.
“This acquisition will elevate AAR’s engineering and in-house certification services, enabling us to deliver proprietary solutions as part of our broader MRO offering,” Holmes said.
Tom Hoferer, Senior Vice President of Repair & Engineering at AAR, added that bringing certification in-house will enhance speed-to-market and unlock new revenue opportunities.
“By combining Aircraft Reconfig Technologies’ qualifications with AAR’s MRO leadership, we can expand our total addressable market and pursue additional modification and interiors work,” he noted.
The transaction is expected to close in the fourth quarter of AAR’s fiscal year 2026, subject to regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions. AAR stated the acquisition is expected to be accretive to margins and earnings.
For the aircraft interiors market, the deal highlights growing demand for integrated cabin engineering, certification control, and reconfiguration expertise, as airlines continue to invest in fleet modernisation, premium cabin upgrades, and layout optimisation.
