John Holmes

John M. Holmes is Chairman, President, and CEO of AAR CORP, Inc.(AIR) a leading aviation services provider to commercial and government customers worldwide.

Holmes joined AAR in 2001 as Director of Mergers and Acquisitions. In 2003, he became General Manager of AAR’s parts trading business and progressively assumed responsibility for the other businesses that comprise Aviation Services — Integrated Solutions, OEM Solutions, and MRO Services — with a focus on achieving growth and operational efficiencies. Holmes led the expansion of AAR’s Integrated Solutions through the acquisition of Airinmar®, a repair cycle management company and the expansion of MRO Services with the acquisition of Premier Aviation. He also launched AAR Digital Services to support the continued growth of AAR’s existing businesses as well as to develop new revenue streams.

Holmes was appointed President and Chief Operating Officer in 2017. In 2018 he was named President and Chief Executive Officer of AAR, and in 2023 he became Chairman of the Board of Directors.  

Holmes is active civically and philanthropically and serves on the boards of the Economic Club of Chicago, Executives Club of Chicago, World Business Chicago, Columbia College Chicago, Shedd Aquarium, Lincoln Park Zoo, and the Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago Foundation. 

Prior to joining AAR, Holmes spent time in investment banking and private equity. He earned a bachelor’s degree in finance from the University of Illinois and an MBA from the University of Chicago.