# John Holmes

> John M. Holmes is the Chicago-based chairman, president and CEO of AAR, an international aviation aftermarket services company. He joined in 2001 to work on acquisitions, moved into parts operations in 2003, became CEO in 2018 and chairman in 2023. His work connects aircraft parts distribution, maintenance and aviation software; his Chicago commitments include cultural and educational institutions, as well as DJing at a Shedd Aquarium fundraising gala.

- **Role:** Chairman, President and CEO at AAR CORP.
- **Organizations:** AAR CORP., GATX Corporation, Columbia College Chicago, Aerospace Industries Association, Shedd Aquarium, Lincoln Park Zoo, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, World Business Chicago, Executives’ Club of Chicago, Illinois Economic Development Corporation
- **Education:** Bachelor’s degree in finance, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, MBA, University of Chicago
- **Known for:** Progressed from an acquisitions role to AAR’s chief executive after years of operating responsibility., Led AAR when it acquired Trax in 2023 and Triumph Group’s Product Support business in 2024., AAR reported fiscal 2026 sales of $3.3 billion, up 19% year over year.

## Career timeline

- **2001** — Joined AAR as Director of Mergers and Acquisitions after investment banking and private equity work.
- **2003** — Moved into operations as general manager of AAR’s parts trading business.
- **2012** — Became Group Vice President, Aviation Services - Inventory Management and Distribution.
- **2015** — Became Chief Operating Officer of Aviation Services.
- **2017** — Became President and Chief Operating Officer of AAR, effective June 1.
- **2018** — Succeeded David Storch as CEO on June 1, becoming AAR’s third CEO.
- **2023** — Became AAR chairman in January; elected Columbia College Chicago board chair effective July 1.
- **2024** — Joined the GATX board in January.

## Achievements

- Progressed from an acquisitions role to AAR’s chief executive after years of operating responsibility.
- Led AAR when it acquired Trax in 2023 and Triumph Group’s Product Support business in 2024.
- AAR reported fiscal 2026 sales of $3.3 billion, up 19% year over year.
- Co-chaired Columbia College Chicago’s Unleashed 2022 gala, which raised more than $750,000 for student persistence scholarships.
- Co-chaired Shedd Aquarium’s 2022 THRIVE gala, whose paddle raise brought in nearly $2.2 million.

## Latest updates

- **2026-09** — AAR announced an agreement to acquire a 65% controlling interest in MRO Holdings; closing was expected in the fiscal quarter ending February 2027, subject to approvals and other conditions.
- **2026-09** — AAR reported first-quarter fiscal 2027 sales of $918 million, up 24% year over year.
- **2026-09** — Columbia College Chicago’s trustee roster, dated September 1, lists Holmes as vice chair.
- **2026-07** — AAR reported fiscal 2026 sales of $3.3 billion, up 19% year over year.
- **2026-01** — AAR celebrated the substantial completion of its Oklahoma City maintenance expansion supporting Alaska Airlines.

## Links

- Website: https://www.aarcorp.com/en/about/corporate-officers/john-m-holmes/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-holmes-aar-ceo/
- Twitter/X: https://x.com/John_M_Holmes

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Profile page: https://yespress.io/john-holmes
Published by YesPress — https://yespress.io
Last updated: 2026-10-23