Royal Air Freight, a Phillips 66-branded fixed-based operator at Metro Detroit's Oakland County International Airport, places emphasis on values beyond profit. Brent Kostich, Director of Technology at Royal Air, emphasizes the importance of impacting people's lives positively. "We’re not necessarily trying to change the world, but if we can affect people’s lives here, for as long as we can do that, it means something," he stated.
The company has navigated economic challenges without laying off employees during significant downturns like the 2008 recession and the 2021 epidemic. Kostich noted the cultural impact within the company: “Our chief pilot has a favorite reminder... it's important to keep this thing going."
Founded by William “Bill” Kostich in Royal Oak, Michigan, Royal Air started as an aircraft salvage and repair business in a family garage. It expanded rapidly with its first hangar built at Pontiac Airport. The company became known for expedited air freight services around Metro Detroit.