Stay Curious. Stay Connected.
MailNewsletters♡Donate Now
Sign up
*Password must be at least 8 characters and contain one uppercase letter, one lowercase letter, one number and one symbol.
Already have an account?
By submitting, you consent that you are at least 18 years of age and to receive information about MPR's or APMG entities' programs and offerings. The personally identifying information you provide will not be sold, shared, or used for purposes other than to communicate with you about MPR, APMG entities, and its sponsors. You may opt-out at any time clicking the unsubscribe link at the bottom of any email communication. View our Privacy Policy.
Sign in to your profile
Forgot Password?
New to MPR News?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Reset Password

Enter the username on file and we'll send you a code to reset your password.

Still require assistance or not sure what your User Name is?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Email Verification

A verification code has been emailed to

Still awaiting the code?
Dan Kraker
Duluth, Minn.

Duluth airplane maintenance firm plans for growth

Duluth Mayor Don Ness
Duluth Mayor Don Ness celebrated AAR Corp's maintenance completion of its 100th jet at the company's facility at the Duluth airport on April 29, 2014.
Dan Kraker / MPR News

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Log inCreate a free Account

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!

An airplane maintenance operation that opened in Duluth in 2012 celebrated a milestone Tuesday as it announced a new five-year contract and plans to grow.

AAR Corp. said it's served 100 airplanes with maintenance and overhaul services since moving into a hangar at the Duluth airport that Northwest Airlines vacated in 2005. The company currently employs about 300 workers who maintain Air Canada jets.

The company on Tuesday unveiled a five-year contract extension with Air Canada and said it plans to open a fourth maintenance line and hire another 50 workers in the next two months.

The five-year commitment is a big deal for Duluth, which has a growing aviation sector anchored by Cirrus Aircraft, Duluth Mayor Don Ness said.

The sector is expected to grow by 40 percent over the next four years, although AAR has found it challenging to recruit workers and find affordable housing for new employees.

"We are looking for more people to join us and to align their lives and their destinies with the AAR family for many years to come right here in Duluth," AAR Vice President Danny Kleiman said.