The combination of a precious metal refiner, a mechanic and a Cessna was the beginning of a new way of life for Alan Ross & Mike Church, the founders of IFL Group at Oakland Airport in Pontiac, MI.
Mr. Ross was a precious metal refiner who didn’t like the concept of traveling on commercial airlines with large amounts of gold and silver in his briefcase, so he considered flying private.
Alan Ross, IFL Group's "Jeweler" and Founder
During this same time his sister was dying of leukemia in Cleveland and the $800 round trip flight was putting a strain on his budget. Alan didn’t believe in unsolvable problems. He said, “they all have simple solutions.” So, after 10 hours of flight instruction, he soloed his first flight at the age of 41.
Not long after, Mr. Ross bought a Cessna 310, and was able to make the trip to Cleveland to visit his sister, along with flying around the world running his Jewelry refining business.
Alan Ross was looking for someone to service his new plane, so he asked a friend, Mike Church, a local mechanic at Firestone to help him out.
As time went by, Mike noticed that Alan’s plane wasn’t getting much use. He recommended to Alan that they rent out the plane for charters for the automotive companies. That was the beginning of Independent Flight Leasing at Pontiac Airport in 1983 which followed with the establishment of Contract Air Cargo & IFL Group.
Today, IFL Group is a well-established air cargo carrier that has expanded its operations across various regions. With a workforce of over 200 employees and a fleet of 22 aircraft, including Falcon 20’s, CRJ's, Convair’s, ATR’s and Boeing 727's, the company has the resources and expertise to provide efficient and reliable cargo transportation services to its clients.
The company's focus on ad-hoc cargo services as well as contract charters for leading logistics companies like FedEx and UPS has helped it establish a reputation for providing customized and cost-effective solutions to meet the unique needs of its clients.
From humble beginnings, we have grown to become a leader in air cargo transportation.
Experience is everything. From humble beginnings in 1986, IFL Group has been providing reliable air freight services with a focus on customer satisfaction. Trust us to deliver your cargo safely and on time, with the expertise that comes from decades of experience in the industry.
Looking for more than just cargo transport? Look no further than IFL Group. Our comprehensive air freight solutions and experienced team provide a transportation experience you can trust. Let us take care of your air freight needs, from start to finish.
Experience reliable flight tracking and operations with IFL Group. Our advanced technology and expert team ensure safe and efficient transportation every step of the way. From tracking your cargo in real-time to coordinating ground operations, trust us to handle your air freight needs with precision and care.
IFL Group is ready when you are. Our experienced aviation mechanics work tirelessly to ensure our planes are always at the ready. With a vast capacity and unwavering commitment to availability, IFL Group is your go-to for reliable air transportation.
PRESIDENT
Mike Church is a seasoned executive with extensive experience in the aviation industry. As a Founding member and President of IFL Group, he oversees the strategic direction and day-to-day operations of the company, working closely with the leadership team to ensure that IFL Group delivers exceptional service to its customers.
EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT
Chris Church is an accomplished aviation professional with a passion for excellence. As Executive Vice President of IFL Group and son of President Mike Church, Chris brings a wealth of industry knowledge and leadership experience to the company. He works closely with his father and the rest of the IFL Group team to ensure that the company continues to provide top-notch cargo transportation services to customers across the country.
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
We are excited to welcome Ryan Sorensen as the new Chief Financial Officer of IFL Group. With his extensive experience and leadership in financial strategy, Ryan will be a valuable asset as we continue to drive growth and innovation. Welcome aboard, Ryan!
DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS / GENERAL MANAGER
DIRECTOR OF MAINTENANCE 121
DIRECTOR OF MAINTENANCE 135
CHIEF INSPECTOR 121
CHIEF PILOT 121
CHIEF PILOT 135
DIRECTOR OF SALES / FLIGHT FOLLOWING
What People Say About Us
Falcon 20 aircraft are operated by IFL Group, Inc., an air taxi operator conducting operations under Part 135 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs). Convair 580, Convair 5800 and Boeing 727 aircraft are operated by Gulf & Caribbean Cargo, Inc. d/b/a IFL Group, a certificated air carrier operating under Part 121 of the FARs.