By TTA Blog
All of us at Thrust Tech Technologies (TTA) want to wish you a happy, healthy holiday season and the very best in the year ahead!
“It’s been a record-setting year in many ways for the aviation MRO sector,” says Stanley Kowlessar, president and general manager of TTA, an experienced MRO services company based near Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport. “So, I’d like to send out a big thank-you to our valued vendors and customers. You helped us hit our 40-year anniversary this year—we absolutely couldn’t have done it without your ongoing support.”
Air Travel Stresses
This festive season caps off a strong year for business and brings plenty of good cheer. But December also brings a fair amount of stress—especially for air travelers, airlines, charter operators, and aviation-related companies.
Demand for aviation services is soaring. Travelers are heading to airports in huge numbers, which means full flights and long lines. Customers hoping to charter private aircraft for business trips, family gatherings, or much-needed vacations are also finding high demand—and at times, limited availability of aircraft or qualified personnel.
Mother Nature’s Wild Ride
As if packed flights weren’t enough, winter weather throws its own curveballs. A single snowstorm and airport closure in New England or the Upper Midwest can keep an aircraft stuck on the ground for an entire day—and the ripple effects can disrupt flights across the country.
Travelers checking in under sunny skies in New Orleans or Jacksonville may be surprised to learn their flight is canceled thanks to a weather hiccup hundreds of miles away. “It’s always a good idea to pack more than your bags,” Kowlessar says. “Pack your patience too!”
MRO Staffing Stretched
Beyond weather, even the best-maintained aircraft can face an unexpected mechanical issue that puts it in dreaded AOG (aircraft on ground) status. That’s lost revenue every minute—so repairs need to happen fast.
A trusted MRO company is essential. But during the holidays, staffing can be tight across the industry. If an MRO is short on technicians, technology experts, or managers, turnaround times for parts and service can slip—and so can an aircraft’s return to flight.
Fortunately, not all MROs are alike. “While we absolutely want our employees to enjoy the season, we also know how critical it is for customers to receive prompt service if they have an AOG,” says Kowlessar. “Every moment that aircraft is out of service costs money.”
That’s why TTA takes a balanced approach. “We might be a bit leaner at times, but we’re holding down the fort throughout most of December,” Kowlessar emphasizes. “We’re here for you.”
Parts Central
TTA also does everything possible to arrange repairs or rush new parts to clients quickly. During the pandemic, the company tripled its parts inventory, creating a significantly more robust stock in-house—something that helps tremendously during the holiday crunch.
Of course, global supply chain issues remain the industry’s elephant in the room. While no MRO can control that, TTA continuously uses advanced technology and strong industry partnerships to find creative solutions. “We’ll do whatever we can to help get your aircraft back in the air and generating revenue,” Kowlessar says.
From all of us at TTA: Happy Holidays!
