Featured Member: Airways Krown

In the competitive world of automotive services, it takes a unique blend of expertise, passion and values to stand out. Airways Krown, under the leadership of General Manager Hafiz Mitha, has done just that, becoming a trusted name in Calgary’s automotive industry.

Known for its high-quality rust-proofing and undercoating services, Airways Krown is committed to helping vehicle owners protect their prized possessions from the harsh elements of Canada’s winter roads. What started as a small mechanic shop more than two decades ago has now evolved into a growing business with big plans for the future.

A family legacy in the automotive industry

The roots of Airways Krown run deep within the Mitha family.

“My dad is a mechanic that's been doing mechanical work since he was 14, so over 50 years,” Hafiz shares. “He makes sure that we treat every vehicle that we work on like it's our own.”

This commitment to quality and family values has been at the heart of Airways Krown's success.

The company, originally founded in 1996 as “Airways Brake and Muffler,” was a small operation when Hafiz’s parents seized the opportunity to purchase a gas station and mechanic shop. As the business grew, a pivotal moment came in 2002 when Krown, a well-established rust-proofing franchise, approached the family to form a partnership. The family saw immense potential in this venture and decided to shift their focus. This decision became especially significant as the pandemic reshaped their industry.

The transition from a two-bay operation to a larger, more specialized business began, marking the start of Airways Krown’s new focus on rust protection and undercoating services for vehicles.

From entrepreneur to business leader

While Hafiz grew up surrounded by the business, it wasn’t until recently that he stepped into the role of General Manager at Airways Krown. His journey to the company began in a rather unconventional way.

“I have a background in marketing and tech,” he says. “I’ve been an entrepreneur in Calgary since 2007. I sold my marketing company in 2014 and started an app called Play City in 2015.”

But when the pandemic hit, Hafiz found himself at a crossroads. His app, which connected people through sports, was no longer viable during lockdowns and he was in need of a new project.

His parents suggested he help with the Krown business.

“I never really felt comfortable in the shop,” says Hafiz, “but when I joined in 2020, I got my hands dirty, literally and figuratively, and realized there was an opportunity here for a business that we could actually scale.”

From there, Hafiz's entrepreneurial mindset took over, and he began working to streamline operations and implement systems to help grow the business.

“My goal was to create systems so I could train the next person,” he says. “I took over the front end and created systems to operationalize things.”

This was just the beginning of a series of changes that would push Airways Krown to new heights. In just a year, the company saw remarkable growth, doubling its business by focusing on customer service and education about the importance of rust-proofing.

Growth, success and plans for the future

In the last year, Airways Krown has seen impressive growth, and Hafiz is quick to credit the team's dedication and the company’s strong reputation.

"We’re really proud of a 4.9 rating with 145 reviews," he says, referring to the company’s online presence and customer feedback. "It’s about educating the market but also maintaining a high level of customer service."

With customer service remaining a focal point, the company is also focused on continued expansion.

"Our goal is to get more fleet customers," Hafiz notes, explaining the company's shift towards larger contracts. "We have a lot of retail customers, but we really want to attract fleet customers."

Beyond individual clients, the company has secured some notable contracts, including working with the Department of National Defence and the City of Calgary’s transit fleet.

One of the most exciting developments for Airways Krown is the addition of a mobile unit, which allows the company to reach more customers in different locations.

"We have the ability with our mobile unit to go to them and do multiple vehicles in a day,” Hafiz explains. “That’s been big for us.”

Having also recently received an award for Western Canada’s highest growth for Krown sales, Hafiz is optimistic about growth and the next steps for the company.

"I see us having multiple footprints across the city," he says. "We have customers driving in from all over different locations, so the goal is to continue to expand.”

The Chamber and community involvement

As Airways Krown continues to grow, being part of the Calgary business community remains a priority. Hafiz shares that the decision to join the Calgary Chamber was motivated by the desire to connect with like-minded entrepreneurs and amplify the company’s presence in the city.

“Calgary is a big, small city,” he explains. "There’s two degrees of separation in the city, so we joined the Chamber to help amplify what we're up to while meeting other entrepreneurs."

In addition to this, community involvement also remains something the Mitha family has always prioritized, with a history of volunteer work and service.

“My parents have always been pretty strong in the community,” Hafiz says. “Now it’s just about showcasing our business, putting the perk up on the Chamber's perks page and getting help to grow through events, awards and introductions.”

As Airways Krown looks to the future, one thing is clear: the company’s commitment to quality, customer service and growth will continue to drive its success. Whether it’s expanding its physical footprint, increasing fleet contracts, or offering mobile services, Hafiz says Airways Krown is ready for the next chapter of its journey.

“We’re a small family business that’s really focused on high-quality work. There’s a lot of passion behind the kind of work that we do and the people that we serve.”

To learn more about Airways Krown, visit: krown.com/calgary.