By TTA Blog
“The story isn’t finished until the last chapter is written,” as the saying goes. Thankfully, for both people and planes, this rings true in more ways than one. Just as folks are aging more gracefully, staying healthier, and loving life at every stage, older aircraft are sticking around longer – and looking and acting great doing it!
Thanks to top-notch maintenance, critical inspections, expert repairs, and regular upgrades, older aircraft are flying smoothly and safely, and for a much lengthier time in service than many ever expected. “It’s all about the care,” says Stanley Kowlessar, general manager of Thrust Tech Accessories (TTA), a highly experienced, veteran-owned MRO based near Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport.
“Airlines that focus on these elements and engage a skilled MRO services company to assist them can ensure that these older aircraft stay safe and flying high in service for as long as possible,” stresses Kowlessar. “TTA can help you maintain the schedule integrity, revenue flow, and safety of your older aircraft.”
It’s a fact that many older aircraft have remained in commercial airline service much longer than many aviation experts had originally anticipated. As Simple Flying outlined earlier this year, Delta Air Lines took delivery of its first Boeing 757 back in 1984. Over the decades, it’s built a large fleet of these aircraft and acquired even more from American Airlines, TWA, and Northwest Airlines.
Yet, despite the advent of some newer, more fuel-efficient, narrowbody aircraft, Delta over the years has continued to value the B757’s versatility, given the different models and seat configurations. Today, Delta remains the world’s largest global operator of B757s. As of October 2024, it had 99 Boeing B757-200s and 19 B757-300s flying within the U.S. or across the globe.
In addition, United Airlines, Azur Air, Condor, Icelandair, and other airlines also still operate some of these B757 aircraft. In fact, Icelandair had planned to retire its B757s by October, but as of November, they were still flying for the carrier; a new retirement schedule hadn’t been announced. Even if that happens soon, it seems as though these planes are “oldies but goodies” that aren’t ready to give up their service in the air quite yet.
And while the start of retirements for Delta’s B757 fleet was also expected to begin soon, the airline’s CEO Ed Bastian said publicly during a November “Investor Day” that Delta could extend the lifespan of its B737-800s and B757s (many with recently updated interiors) if for any reason the planned replacement aircraft – new B737-Max deliveries – don’t materialize in a timely manner. Separately, Delta’s Boeing B767-300s are also set to be phased out, but many will continue flying for at least the next five years.
For all commercial airlines, Kowlessar offers this message: “We know that keeping these aircraft in the air and flying safe is your critical mission. TTA understands and has significant MRO experience in servicing both older and newer commercial and regional aircraft. So, whatever the composition of your commercial fleet, why not give us a call? Our skilled MRO and technology teams can provide both services and parts for these aircraft. We’ll help you maintain your schedule integrity with the least possible downtime and help ensure the safety of these aircraft in the skies. Think of us as a valuable resource to assist you.”
He explains that TTA has handled expert repairs on everything from ignition exciters for B737s (100/200/300/400/500) to APU bleed air valves, shutoff valve and starters for B767s, and shut-off valves, fuel pressure transmitters and hydraulic pumps for B747 (100/200/200/400) aircraft. And those are just a few of the MRO services it provides.
For more than three decades, TTA has been certified by the U.S. F.A.A. as a Part 145 station, performing vital maintenance, repair and overhaul services on an extensive range of private, corporate and commercial aircraft and rotorcraft. Earlier this year, TTA also was certified by the United Kingdom’s Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) as a Part 145 station to assist airlines and operators with maintaining any U.K.-registered Part 21 aircraft and/or the engines and components fitted to them. And TTA is also fully certified as a Part 145 maintenance organization by the European Aviation Services Administration (EASA).
So, whether airlines have a new plane or an older aircraft that’s set for retirement in the next few weeks, months or years, TTA will assist operators with keeping those planes in tip-top condition. “As older aircraft remain in active service, we know commercial operators need to safeguard these aircraft so they continue to perform well,” says Kowlessar. “We’ll help you make sure that your passengers get where they need to go, that cargo keeps moving, revenue keeps flowing, and these valuable storied planes keep aging well and flying high.”
About Thrust Tech Accessories
Thrust Tech Accessories would enjoy the opportunity to explore cost-effective measures to meet the specialized airframe needs of your Boeing aircraft. The Ft. Lauderdale-based MRO offers capabilities such as testing, repair service, overhaul service, and of course fast turn-around times.
A recipient of the U.S. Department of Labor’s 2024 Gold HIRE Vets Medallion Award, TTA’s team supports a number of private and business aircraft operators as well as regional airlines, along with overseas air carriers and rotorcraft operators in numerous countries around the globe.
To learn more about TTA’s wide-ranging capabilities to support your fleet and to obtain competitive program bids, please contact us via email at TTAsales@ThrustTech.com or call 954-984-0450.
PHOTO CREDIT: Aerojet, Daniel Shapiro
