New MIA Facility Expansion Signals More Growth For Airport-Area Economy

AAR Corp. has completed a major expansion of its aircraft maintenance operation near Miami International Airport, strengthening the company’s South Florida presence while creating additional demand for skilled aviation workers.

The project added more than 100,000 square feet to AAR’s airframe maintenance, repair and overhaul facility at 5300 NW 36th Street. With the new space, the Illinois-based aerospace and defense company now occupies approximately 327,000 square feet adjacent to MIA.

The expansion increases the facility’s maintenance capacity by roughly one-third. It was designed to accommodate three additional heavy-maintenance lines for a commercial airline operating under a long-term agreement with AAR. The first aircraft is expected to enter the expanded operation this fall.

AAR is also moving forward with plans to hire approximately 200 full-time employees to support the added workload. Recruiting is already underway and is expected to continue through the fall, with the company drawing candidates through its workforce-development programs and relationships with local educational institutions.

The Miami expansion builds on AAR’s already substantial presence in Florida, where the company employs more than 1,300 people. Its services include aircraft maintenance and repair, replacement parts, engineering, aviation software and support for commercial and government customers.

The project was completed through cooperation among AAR, Miami International Airport, Ryan Companies, HPM and government partners at the federal, state and local levels.

For the Miami Airport submarket, the expansion highlights the economic value of industrial and aviation-related facilities located close to MIA. Aircraft maintenance operations require large, specialized buildings, direct airport access and a trained labor pool—features that distinguish airport-area properties from conventional warehouse space.

The investment also comes as passenger and cargo activity continues to reinforce MIA’s role as one of South Florida’s most important economic centers. Adding specialized maintenance capacity gives airlines greater access to essential services while supporting jobs and continued business activity surrounding the airport.

AAR formally celebrated the expanded facility with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on August 17.

Sources: SFBJ, AAR Corp. and Miami International Airport