By Brian Brus
Oklahoma City reporter
The Journal Record
7/27/2010

OKLAHOMA CITY – Business travelers and sports teams have a new entryway to
Oklahoma City, Will Rogers World Airport officials revealed Monday.

The new corporate and general aviation terminal is northwest of the much
larger commercial complex with which most travelers are familiar. At 6,000
square feet, the so-called fixed-base operation, or FBO, facility is geared
more toward smaller, private and corporate aircraft.

The opening of the $1.8 million building is the culmination of several
years of discussions between AAR Corp. and the Oklahoma City municipal
government’s airports trust, Director Mark Kranenburg said.

“After the expansion/renovation of the commercial terminal in 2006, it was
evident that the airport needed a complementary general aviation and
corporate terminal,” Kranenburg said. “Our longtime relationship with AAR
enabled us to collaborate on this project. The result is a facility that
reflects the progressive nature of our community.”

Kranenburg estimated the building will handle more than 10,000 flights
annually. It was designed by Frankfurt-Short-Bruza Associates engineering
firm and built by Silvercliffe Construction, both of Oklahoma City.

The FBO is often a destination for U.S. Air Force jets engaged in training
exercises from nearby Vance Air Force Base. And AAR has the fueling
contract for the airlines that serve Oklahoma City. Illinois-based AAR
serves aviation and government defense clients nationwide through its
aviation supply chain, maintenance and general systems segments.

Mayor Mick Cornett attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony at the airport
Monday with several other government officials and civic leaders.

“We believe the modernization of the FBO facility shows what can be
accomplished when the public and private sectors join forces for the
greater good of the community,” Cornett said. “We can now offer visitors a
first-class aviation facility that reflects Oklahoma City’s efforts to
stimulate and support our local economy.

“AAR and other companies have a lot of opportunities to invest in
communities and airports around the world, and that they would choose
Oklahoma City as a wise investment speaks loudly to Oklahoma City’s
progression,” he said.

AAR established operations in Oklahoma City in 1971, Chief Executive David
Storch said, and now has 615 local employees with an annual payroll of $30
million. The city has one of the best FBOs in the United States, he said.

“I know a few years back that people in Oklahoma City got a little nervous
when we announced an expansion in Indianapolis. But I’m proud to say today,
as I was back then, that this Oklahoma City base is a very critical part of
the AAR business empire,” Storch said.