The customer reached out directly to Isac Roths, CEO of First Class Air, with an aircraft-on-ground (AOG) challenge that required an immediate solution. Isac connected with Mike Abram, who quickly helped mobilize teams across First Class Air Support and Cobalt Aero Services to get the job done.
What began as a request for one landing gear door soon became a need for two. Within approximately 24 hours, the combined teams had removed both components from a Boeing 747-400 undergoing teardown in Wilmington, Ohio, completed the necessary repairs and inspections in Hot Springs, Arkansas, and shipped the components internationally to the customer.
Most importantly, the customer's grounded aircraft was successfully returned to service. It was an extraordinary example of what can happen when strong customer relationships, technical expertise and teamwork come together.
The first challenge was finding a replacement component quickly. Fortunately, First Class Air Support had a Boeing 747-400 undergoing teardown at its ILN Teardown Operations facility in Wilmington, Ohio. The aircraft provided access to the body landing gear door the customer urgently needed. Working together, the teams identified the required component, coordinated its removal from the aircraft and arranged expedited transportation to Cobalt Aero Services in Hot Springs, Arkansas, where technicians completed the necessary repairs and inspections.
But while the team was already working on the first door, the customer identified an additional need: a second body landing gear door. Rather than slowing the process, the teams immediately expanded their efforts. First Class Air Support coordinated the removal of the second door from the same teardown aircraft, while Cobalt worked to prepare both components for shipment.
What could have become a complicated, multi-vendor sourcing and repair challenge was handled through one coordinated effort involving two First Class Air companies.
Delivering two aircraft components across multiple facilities and an international supply chain in approximately 24 hours required much more than having the right parts available. Approximately 12 team members across sales, operations, teardown, technical teams and leadership contributed to the effort, working together to keep every step moving.
At Cobalt Aero Services, Mike Abram jumped in alongside the technicians to help get the work completed. From component removal and transportation to repair, inspection and shipment, the teams remained focused on the customer's urgent needs. The effort demonstrated the kind of hands-on teamwork that defines The First Class Way. When a customer faces a critical challenge, the priority is finding a solution.
From Wilmington to Hot Springs to an International Customer
Cobalt's technicians worked around the clock to complete the required repairs and inspections, while teams across both companies coordinated the movement of the components and the necessary customer support. From the initial customer call through teardown, repair and international shipment, the entire process took approximately 24 hours.
And the team accomplished all of it while responding to an unexpected second component requirement.
The First Class Way in Action
One of the most important aspects of this story began before the first component was removed. When the airline faced a difficult AOG situation, its team reached out directly First Class Air. That relationship reflects the trust First Class Air works to build with customers every day, the confidence that when an unexpected problem arises, they have someone they can call who will help find a solution.
First Class Air Support brought the aircraft teardown operations, component availability and logistics coordination necessary to source and move both landing gear doors quickly. Cobalt Aero Services contributed the technical expertise, repair capabilities and hands-on teamwork required to prepare the components for the customer. Together, they turned an urgent, unexpected challenge into a coordinated solution that helped return the customer's grounded aircraft to service.
It's a powerful example of the advantage First Class Air's integrated aviation aftermarket capabilities provide customers. By bringing parts distribution, aircraft teardowns, MRO, engineering and other specialized services together, our companies can respond to challenges that would otherwise require multiple independent providers.
Two body landing gear doors. Two First Class Air companies. Approximately 12 team members. And approximately 24 hours to get the components ready and shipped internationally.
Most importantly, the customer's grounded aircraft was successfully returned to service.
That's The First Class Way.