The MRO Americas Conference, held April 8–10, 2025, at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, GA, brought together leaders across the aviation maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) industry. Representing WTP Advisors, Brian Schwam and Jim Fyrie attended to share their expertise in Transfer Pricing and IC-DISC, while forging valuable new connections.
Connecting with First Class Air Support
A highlight of the conference was a discussion with Ian Thompson, Head of Business Development & Strategy at First Class Air Support (FCA Aerospace). Based in Louisville, KY, FCA specializes in aerospace aftermarket solutions, providing critical support for aviation clients worldwide.
This meeting provided an excellent opportunity to explore how WTP Advisors could assist FCA in navigating the complexities of global operations and financial compliance.
Transfer Pricing for International Growth
Brian Schwam introduced WTP Advisors’ Transfer Pricing services, which are designed to help companies like FCA manage intercompany transactions across borders with precision and compliance.
Ian Thompson explained that FCA frequently engages in international distribution, making compliance a central priority. Jim Fyrie elaborated on how Transfer Pricing strategies ensure that cross-border transactions are priced at arm’s length, aligning with global tax regulations while optimizing profitability.
For FCA, implementing these strategies could reduce compliance risks, streamline operations, and safeguard them from costly regulatory scrutiny.
IC-DISC: Unlocking Export Tax Benefits
The conversation naturally shifted to tax optimization through IC-DISC (Interest Charge-Domestic International Sales Corporation).
Brian Schwam highlighted how IC-DISC can lower tax liability on export income, enabling aviation businesses to reinvest profits or expand market reach. With FCA’s global distribution model, IC-DISC could provide meaningful tax savings by taxing a portion of export profits at reduced dividend rates.
Ian expressed interest, acknowledging its potential to strengthen FCA’s export-driven growth strategy.
Addressing Aviation Aftermarket Challenges
The discussion also touched on the challenges of the aviation aftermarket, particularly in supply chain efficiency and cost management.
Ian Thompson emphasized FCA’s commitment to delivering reliable solutions for its clients, highlighting the importance of financial clarity. Jim Fyrie explained how Transfer Pricing could help FCA optimize its supply chain by ensuring fair pricing between entities, regulatory compliance, and operational efficiency.
Ian agreed that maintaining cost efficiency while scaling globally remains a top priority and saw WTP Advisors’ insights as a pathway to improved performance.
Looking Ahead: Opportunities for Collaboration
The Atlanta conference proved to be an ideal setting to build relationships and explore future collaboration. Discussions centered on FCA’s vision for global expansion, which aligns closely with WTP Advisors’ mission of empowering aviation companies through financial clarity and compliance.
Both parties left the conversation optimistic about working together to support FCA’s continued growth and competitiveness in the global aviation aftermarket.
WTP Advisors: Expertise That Drives Aviation Success
Reflecting on their time at MRO Americas, WTP Advisors is excited to support First Class Air Support in achieving its global ambitions. With expertise in Transfer Pricing and IC-DISC, WTP Advisors helps aviation companies optimize their financial operations, reduce risks, and unlock opportunities for sustainable growth.
👉 Learn more at www.wtpadvisors.com