Although it may not be one of the most talked-about industries, the aviation solutions industry supports the world economy. Any interruptions in this sector have broad effects on many other businesses. Vincent Ang Kit Fai, co-founder and managing director of Airborne Solutions Sdn Bhd, proves that even a young company can lead the industry.
Despite starting up the company during the implementation of the movement control order, the company, led by then 29-year-old entrepreneur, had its first profitable year. That feat was even more impressive considering it was a one-man show.
Asked why he decided to venture into the air transport, aviation & project logistics business, Vincent said it never crossed his mind that he would end up in logistics – everything was out of his expectation.
Plotting business strategies
“During my tenure with my previous company (Multi-Trans Sdn Bhd), I realised there is a niche demand in the aviation & project logistics industry. So, with all the experience, exposure and network I built over the years, I planned on setting up my own company,” he explains.
However, not everything looked rosy. The co-founder and managing director of Airborne Solutions Sdn Bhd said he was having a difficult time while setting up the company. With zero income, he dried up whatever was left in his account just to make sure his dream came true.
“I didn’t even have enough money to pay my bills. But, I still continue the entrepreneurship journey because I believe in what I create,” he says.
Airborne Solutions’ biggest milestones
Despite the tough time during the pandemic and having zero staff, he secured his first helicopter shipping project. “It was just a small project, to transfer a helicopter from point A to point B. But, I proved to my client that I could handle it even with limited manpower. Eventually, people started to trust my service.”
“In less than six months of operating, we have grown to 20 customers. Besides, in less than a year, we had more than RM1 million in sales revenue – all happened in a short time,” he explains
Airborne Solutions: Providing air transport & integrated logistics services tailored based on the customers’ demands and needs
Airborne Solutions, based in Puchong Selangor, is far from just an air transport & aviation logistics company. As Vincent explained, it provides services tailored based on the customers’ demands and needs. The company provides all types of air transport & integrated logistics services ranging from air cargo, air charter, helicopter shipping, international freight forwarding, airport warehouse, project cargo handling comprising air, sea & land, heavy transport to aviation training & consultancy.
In short, Airborne Solutions creates exciting possibilities for all aviation companies or non-aviation companies. Airborne Solutions also has its own subsidiaries & associate companies which handle super heavy transport, project logistics & warehousing. They are known as Asia Infinity Solutions Sdn Bhd & Aegis Global Warehousing Sdn Bhd.
As they ace in delivering impressive and quality service to clients, they even draw a lot of attention from the public. To date, the company has completed over 1,000 global missions, shipped and transported USD100 million worth of cargo value and served over 50 global and local aviation & non-aviation companies.
Expanding beyond borders
“We have transported and shipped countless helicopters locally and globally. One of our mega-sized missions was the assignment to import an aircraft across two continents during the Russian-Ukraine war. It was a tough job but easily becomes a story that I would remember,” adding that they are also involved in shipping & transporting construction materials for a mega construction project at Tun Razak Exchange (TRX) 106 tower.
Delving further, Vincent shared that the company’s growth ambition is to expand beyond Asia. Currently, they have operations in Singapore and over 100 freight agents worldwide.
“I have a lot of confidence in Airborne Solutions. Our goal is to venture into at least ten different businesses across ten different industries. We aspire to build a global Multinational Conglomerate with businesses across the world,” he clarifies.
“Tough times create strong people, and strong people create great times”
Sharing some valuable advice to young entrepreneurs, Vincent who was awarded the 100 Most Influential Young Entrepreneurs Award 2022 said they should not wait for the right time to start something because there is no right time.
“Many young entrepreneurs have plenty of ideas, except they don’t know where to start. Firstly, you must work out the business model and be confident enough to implement it.”
“Also, don’t easily give up and always remember tough times create strong people, and strong people create great times. Always remember that there’s no right time to start something. So. make the first move,” he ends.
Airborne Solutions Sdn Bhd
8-3, Jalan Puteri 4/2, Bandar Puteri, 47100 Puchong, Selangor
https://airbornesolutions.com.my/
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