Meet Carl Griffiths, Founder of First Response Aviation Group

First Response Aviation Group is an Essex-based aviation services company specialising in professional aircraft detailing, with AOG support, pre-purchase inspections, aircraft sales and aircraft recovery behind it. Behind the business is its founder, Carl Griffiths.

From the Royal Air Force to running a business

Carl served in the Royal Air Force in the early 2000s. After leaving the forces, he spent a number of years in management roles with different companies, learning how businesses run day to day and what clients really expect from a supplier.

In 2018 he started his own company. That experience, together with the discipline he learned in the RAF, led him to set up First Response Aviation Group.

Why First Response Aviation Group

Aircraft owners, operators and financiers often have to deal with several different suppliers to look after one aircraft. Carl built First Response Aviation Group to give them one dependable team on the ground instead.

The company’s core service is professional aircraft detailing and private jet valeting: interior and exterior detailing for private jets, business aircraft and turboprops, planned around each client’s flying schedule and carried out with aviation-safe products. Because the team is already on the ground looking after the aircraft, it can also coordinate AOG support, pre-purchase inspections, aircraft sales and aircraft recovery.

RAF standards on every job

Carl runs the business the way he learned in the RAF: thorough preparation, careful checks, calm under pressure and clear reporting when the work is done. The RAF’s core values of Respect, Integrity, Service and Excellence are the standard the team holds itself to, whether it’s a routine detail between trips or an urgent call in the middle of the night.

He also cares about supporting veterans and service leavers, who bring the reliability, teamwork and cool head under pressure that the aviation industry needs. First Response Aviation Group is a certified veteran-owned business.

You can read more in Carl’s own words in 5 Things the RAF Taught Me About Running an Aviation Business.

Get in touch

Based in Essex, First Response Aviation Group details aircraft at London Stansted, London Southend, Biggin Hill, Farnborough, London Luton, London City, Cranfield and airfields across the UK, with Europe and further afield on request. Call the 24-hour concierge line on 01268 204 607 or send us a message.

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