Reaching a 40th anniversary in the competitive aviation industry is no small achievement. Yet Thrust Tech Accessories (TTA), based just outside South Florida’s Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport, has done just that—building a successful MRO (maintenance, repair and overhaul) services business since 1985 by focusing on ten key pillars: credibility, reliability, trust, industry knowledge, adaptability, experience, stability, survivability, leadership and legacy.
“We couldn’t have achieved this 40-year milestone without the unwavering support of our dedicated employees, top-notch partners and valued customers—many of whom we’ve known for decades,” said Stanley Kowlessar Sr., TTA’s President and General Manager. “As we move into our next chapter, we thank you and look forward to continuing to grow together.”
The company began as a small rewind shop but TTA has since evolved into a full-service MRO accessory company serving corporate jets, private aircraft, helicopters, and narrow-body commercial aircraft – including a wide range of cargo-only aircraft. Since Kowlessar acquired the company in 2017, TTA has expanded its capabilities, team and infrastructure. The company is certified by
the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), and the U.K. Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).
In late 2024, TTA opened a new manufacturing facility in Miramar, Fla., significantly enhancing its operational footprint. That facility now allows us the competitive edge to develop and produce important replacement aircraft parts that have major supply chain issues – all in-house. Delivering cost effective and timely solutions to our global customer base.
“With this expansion, we’ve improved our supply chain reliability and overall efficiency,” Kowlessar said. “It helps us keep costs in check and our clients in the air.”
TTA’s adaptability has been tested across decades of economic cycles and industry challenges – including the 9/11 attacks, fuel crises and the COVID-19 pandemic. During the pandemic, TTA doubled its parts inventory to meet future demand – a move that helped the company pivot without losing a step in the service provided.
Kowlessar attributes the company’s success to a loyal team, institutional knowledge and a culture of innovation. “One of our employees has been here 33 years,” he noted. “Our people are the heart of what we do.”
The company has also responded proactively to shifts in the workforce, including generational transitions and changing expectations around workplace culture. By reintroducing traditional employee benefits and investing in training, TTA is building a next-generation workforce with staying power.
Recently, the company earned AS9110C and ISO9001:2015 certifications; and brought more repair processes in-house. “We’re always listening to our customers,” Kowlessar said. “Their feedback drives our evolution and keeps us focused on developing cost-effective, forward-thinking solutions.”
As Thrust Tech Accessories looks ahead to its fifth decade in business, the focus remains on maintaining excellence while continuing to grow organically and meet the needs of an ever-changing aviation industry.
