AAR Lands 2 Next Gen Awards from Aircraft Maintenance Technology Magazine

Managers of quality and safety protocol named to AMT’s inaugural 40 under 40 list

WOOD DALE, Illinois – AAR (NYSE: AIR) announces that two of its rising stars have been named to Aircraft Maintenance Technology magazine’s 40 under 40 list curated from hundreds of nominations across a highly competitive global aviation industry.

AMT’s inaugural Next Generation of Maintenance Professional Awards recognize outstanding performers in a wide array of aviation roles, from mechanic to instructor to maintenance apprentice to CEO. These talented professionals are rays of light in an aviation industry challenged by a talent shortage.

AMT honored two standouts at AAR: Richard Anthony Atwood, Quality Assurance Manager for Aircraft Services in Lake Charles, LA; and Scott Ingold, Vice President and General Manager for AAR Aircraft Component Services in Garden City, NY. Both have ascended rapidly in little more than five years in the aviation industry.

Ingold, 28, joined AAR Landing Gear Services in Miami as a lean facilitator while still in college. Ingold earned a bachelor’s and master’s degree in industrial engineering from the University of Miami and a master’s of business administration from the University of Florida. He lives out his passion for education by overseeing AAR’s internship programs, starting in Miami and now in Garden City.

"Scott exhibits the visionary qualities of seasoned executives," said Dany Kleiman, AAR’s Group Vice President – Repair and Engineering. "While still so young, Scott has invested his energy in the long-term viability of not only our Company but the industry as a whole. On the strength of his example, four of our interns have secured full-time positions with us. Many others have gone on to contribute elsewhere within the industry."

AAR’s other honoree, Richard Atwood, also 28, has gained renown for enhancing safety protocols beyond the basics. In addition to a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Arkansas at Monticello, Atwood holds several safety program certifications from the U.S. Department of Transportation. Atwood represented AAR as a guest speaker on Configuration Control at the Aviation Safety Info Share Conference in Dallas in September.

"Richard strives to constantly improve our safety culture," said Art Smith, AAR Vice President and Chief Quality Officer. "Richard goes above and beyond to create heightened awareness in all aspects of aviation to make our industry stronger."

The magazine featured the winners on the cover of the December issue and published articles about each one.

"I congratulate Richard and Scott and thank AMT for recognizing their outstanding contributions to the aviation field," said AAR’s John Holmes, Chief Operating Officer, Aviation Services. "With professionals like Richard and Scott as role models, more young people will see the bright future that beckons in aviation."