Nearly fifty years on one aircraft type.
Air 1st has owned and operated the largest fleet of MU-2s in the world, and manages the maintenance on all of them. That is where the knowledge comes from.
We sell aircraft we have flown.
Most of our inventory is either currently or previously owned by us. We personally inspect, fly and squawk every sales aircraft. When you ask what an aeroplane is like, the answer comes from someone who has flown that specific airframe — not from a spec sheet.
Over nearly five decades that has made Air 1st a fixture of the MU-2 world: a dealer specialising in MU-2 sales, one of the largest MU-2 parts inventories anywhere, and support for individual and fleet operators worldwide.
We are also a leader in improving the type — creating the Platinum Series complete refurbishment programme, and carrying out the STC field testing for the five-blade composite MT-Propeller on both the MU-2 and the Twin Commander.
- 1977
Founded at Bush Field
Air 1st begins in Augusta, Georgia, trading Mitsubishi MU-2s.
- 1995
Moved to Aiken Regional
Relocated to KAIK and built our own hangar and offices — the operation that exists today.
- 1997
Acquired the FBO
Purchased the fixed base operator at KAIK, now Aiken Aviation, offering competitive fuel with discounts for MU-2 customers.
- 1999
Carolina Turbine Support
Added CTS as an FAA Part 145 repair station, to meet the MU-2 industry's need for quick, reliable component and accessory overhaul.
- 2013
Around the world
An Air 1st MU-2 flew a circumnavigation — Aiken to Greenland, Iceland, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, Australia, Russia and Alaska, and home. Twenty-five days.
Three businesses, one ramp
Air 1st owns the sales company, the repair station and the FBO. Very few aircraft dealers own the shop that maintains what they sell.
Air 1st Aviation
Sales, acquisition, brokerage and the Platinum Series refurbishment programme. Operating since 1977.
Carolina Turbine Support
Our FAA Part 145 repair station, added 1999. The only service centre working exclusively on MU-2s, with expanded maintenance and avionics, and most MU-2 part and accessory requirements held in stock.
Aiken Aviation
The fixed base operator at KAIK, acquired 1997. A premier FBO in the region, with competitive fuel prices and discounts for Air 1st customers.
- 1977
- Specialising since
- 1995
- At Aiken Regional since
- 1999
- Own Part 145 station since
- 15
- Aircraft in the sold record
Come and see one.
We are at Aiken Regional Airport in South Carolina. If you are considering an MU-2, the most useful hour you can spend is sitting in one with someone who flies them.