AAR has announced that Steven B. Harrison has been appointed president of AAR Airlift, which is headquartered in Palm Bay, Fla., and has operations around the world. Harrison joined Airlift three years ago and, as chief commercial officer, was instrumental in expanding Airlift’s capabilities and geographic presence.
AAR Airlift provides expeditionary airlift services in support of contingency operations worldwide, including passenger and cargo transport, aeromedical services, night vision operations, search and rescue (SAR), airdrop and other special mission services. Airlift’s fleet of fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft serves defense and government customers in Afghanistan, Africa, the Mediterranean, Indian Ocean and the Western Pacific.
“Steve has the right skill set to lead Airlift’s expansion,” said chief operating officer of expeditionary services Timothy J. Romenesko. “He will be responsible for continuing to ensure the highest levels of quality and safety throughout the operation, managing key customer and regulatory relationships, and driving operational and financial performance.”
Prior to joining AAR, Harrison was president and CEO of National Airlines, following a distinguished career in the U.S. Air Force that included posts as Commander of the 89th Airlift Wing (Air Force One) and deputy director of operational logistics at the Pentagon. Harrison holds a bachelor’s degree in aeronautical engineering from the Air Force Academy and two master’s degrees from Oxford University, where he was a Rhodes Scholar.
Harrison replaces Randy Martinez, who has been appointed AAR’s corporate vice president of strategy and business development, reporting to chairman and CEO David P. Storch. Martinez joined AAR in 2009 after serving as CEO of World Air Holdings, Inc., and completing a distinguished 21-year career with the U.S. Air Force (colonel retired and command pilot), most recently serving as principal advisor to the chief of staff of NATO’s Strategic Planning Staff.
“Randy’s new role is a good fit for his extensive experience and relationships in both government and commercial markets,” Storch said. “Randy did a superb job marshaling the Airlift business through its acquisition, subsequent surge, and the government drawdown in Afghanistan, and I know he will bring the same level of energy to his new position.”
