By TTA Blog
Given the logistical advantages, multiple major airports, proximity to the Caribbean, convenient access to Latin America, and wintertime weather that’s often milder than more northerly locales within the U.S., South Florida continues to grow as a respected, strategic MRO hub.
“When you add in Florida’s business-friendly environment and a skilled, local labor force that includes those with MRO/aviation/airport experience, it’s easy to see how the region’s aviation aftermarket segment soared last year, and is expected to grow even more in 2026,” says Stanley Kowlessar, Sr., General Manager, Thrust Tech Accessories (TTA), an experienced, veteran-owned, full-service MRO services company based near Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport, Fort Lauderdale, FL.
Attracting Skilled Labor
“Another big plus is that university, college, and technical learning centers in South Florida are educating and training new aviation and technology workers, and building the skilled resources needed here in Florida and nationwide,” Kowlessar emphasizes.
In fact, the Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance cites nine world-class aviation training facilities in the region. The Alliance also reports that 12,013 aviation and aerospace workers were employed in Broward County in 2014. By 2024, though, that number had soared by 86 percent to 22,337 workers. In all of South Florida, the aviation/aerospace employment numbers rose from 45,096 in 2014 to 69,905 in 2024 – a 55 percent increase.
One helpful factor? “Our state’s lack of a personal income tax is proving attractive to both new graduates seeking a career in aviation and skilled technicians and technology workers from outside the state,” Kowlessar says. “They prefer to keep more of their income, rather than pay it out in taxes, so they often seek aviation employment opportunities within Florida.”
Aviation Business Diversity
Job seekers perusing employment opportunities within South Florida will happily discover a wide range of aviation-related businesses. They include commercial airlines, general aviation operators, airports, airframe and engine manufacturers, component parts suppliers, MRO businesses, and others.
Airport-wise, for example, South Florida is home to 10 airports including three international airports. The largest, Miami International Airport (MIA), is an American Airlines hub and ranks within the Top 10 list of U.S. airports for seat capacity. Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) produces a total economic impact of $37.5 billion annually, according to the Alliance.
Enhanced MRO Services
Not surprisingly, South Florida is an incubator for strong aviation industry growth. Within the past five years, TTA, which provides expert MRO services for corporate jets, private aircraft, helicopters, and narrow-body commercial aircraft, has tripled its parts inventory, established an engineering company, created a sales and distribution company, and opened a manufacturing facility for high-quality parts in Miramar, FLA.
The MRO services company has also earned AS9110C and ISO 9001:2015 certifications, in addition to bringing more repair processes in-house. “During the past few years, we’ve taken these and other important steps to enhance supply chain reliability for our MRO customers,” says Kowlessar. He adds that “ultimately, this helps them improve their operational efficiency and better control their costs through preventive maintenance.”
Among the business pluses for customers thinking of using a Florida-based MRO is the state’s favorable tax structure. For example, Florida provides an exemption from sales and use tax for labor associated with the maintenance or repair of aircraft (including rotary wing aircraft) with a maximum certified takeoff weight of more than 2,000 pounds.
Statewide Aviation Growth
Today, Florida ranks second among all U.S. states for the largest number of aviation, aerospace, and space businesses. And it’s first in MRO-related businesses and third in aircraft manufacturing establishments. Florida is also one of the US’ top exporters of aircraft and aerospace products and parts – generating $10.6 billion in exports in 2023, according to the Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance.
Kowlessar notes that there’s no doubt that the State of Florida has certainly emerged as a hotbed for aviation and technology investment,” says Kowlessar. “Think of it as the East Coast’s version of how Silicon Valley developed decades ago in California. This vibrant growth will undoubtedly benefit the aviation industry, our employees and the valued clients we serve.”
Taking Flight for More Business: Just recently (March 10-11, 2026), the Airline & Aerospace MRO & Flight Operations IT Conference – Americas took place in Miami. Coming up, “Aviation Week Network’s MRO Americas,” the world’s largest gathering of the aviation maintenance community, will unfold April 13-16 in Orlando – at which TTA will be represented.
“At these types of conferences, our skilled TTA team members are on-site to meet, mix, and mingle with suppliers, aviation clients and industry leaders,” stresses Kowlessar. “It’s all about building partnerships for even more MRO services growth in South Florida and creating new, forward-looking MRO solutions to benefit customers and employees alike.”
About TTA
Thrust Tech Accessories (TTA) is a veteran-owned, full-service MRO company specializing in the repair and overhaul of components for private, corporate, and commercial aircraft. Located at 6701B NW 12th Ave., Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309, TTA serves clients around the world with FAA, EASA, and CAA certifications. Learn more at ThrustTech.com or call 954-984-0450.
