|
2010 was a milestone year for Grand Aire marking our 25th anniversary. Grand Aire is a classic example of the American dream being realized. The company started in 1985 like many small businesses do, built on the dreams of an entrepreneur with the intelligence and determination to overcome all obstacles. Founder Tahir Cheema arrived in the United States eleven years earlier to attend the University of Alabama. That day in 1974, he had $40 in his pocket, but his drive to succeed was as big as America itself.
T.C. achieved another goal after his college days where he got his degree in Engineering. While working at Ford as a design engineer, he earned a private pilot's certificate in 1980 and purchased his first aircraft a few years later. Armed with his pilot's certificate and his first aircraft, a Piper Aztec, Tahir began flying freight for the "Big 3" automakers. His reputation for hard work grew along with the demand for his services. When Cheema expanded the operation and started the company, customers were promised "30 minutes wheels up", a previously unheard of guarantee in the charter freight industry.
That commitment to customer service has set Grand Aire apart over the years. It has also been the basis for steady growth throughout the years as thousands of logistics professionals have come to rely on Grand Aire to move their freight and passengers around the world. A skilled group of experienced employees at the Swanton, Ohio headquarters make it all happen every day. They are some of the most creative and experienced professionals in the business.
What began as a modest one plane operation has grown to become one of the Top 5* air charter providers in North America and a significant player globally. Today, over 3,200 charter aircraft and tens of thousands of trucks are positioned around the world available to move whatever it is that needs transported door-to-door faster than anyone else. Any aircraft for any job is available ranging from a small Cessna to a Boeing 747 and even larger.
The family legacy continues today as the next generation is preparing to lead the company their parents started a quarter century ago. CEO Zachary Cheema has returned from three tours of duty as a Marine in Iraq and is now involved in the day-to-day operation of company. While his siblings are currently occupied with military duties and college courses, they are briefed regularly on company business.
Co-founder Katrina Cheema has positioned Grand Aire as the undisputed leader in air charter technology. Over the years, our IT department has created some of the most innovative tools in the on-demand air charter industry. Web-based TripTracker gives customers total real-time access to every movement of their freight. Visual Aircraft Locator (or V.A.L. for short) tells our service representatives where all available aircraft are positioned at any point in time and Online Quoting gives customers instant access to fast, reliable charter quotes.
Grand Aire, Inc. is a certified minority-owned company, with memberships in the National Minority Business Council (NMBC), Northern Ohio Minority Supplier Development Council (NOMSDC) and Michigan Minority Business Council (MMBDC).
As the company continues to plan for the future, we are inspired by our humble beginnings. We know that "meeting our customers commitments" is what built this company. It is our most important goal. That's why that phrase is not only in our motto, it is also in our hearts.
*A.C.E. (Air Cargo Excellence) Award; Air Cargo World magazine
|
