By TTA Blog
As industry demand soars and new orders flow, the importance of helping operators keep their helicopters mission-ready is more critical than ever
Thousands of Leonardo AW139s, Airbus H145s and other rotorcraft are on the job daily performing important missions within the civil, law enforcement and military sectors. Most notably, they save countless lives day after day while operating for Emergency Medical Services (EMS) providers.
Keeping these choppers flying safely and reliably is a top priority for their owners and operators, many of whom are also expanding their fleets with new rotorcraft orders. “At Thrust Tech Accessories (TTA), we take great pride in assisting rotorcraft operators in maintaining their equipment in the very best condition,” says Stanley Kowlessar, Sr., TTA’s president and general manager.
The experienced MRO (maintenance, repair, and overhaul) services company is based near Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport in South Florida. “While many think of us in the context of both propellor and jet fixed-wing aircraft, they should know that that we also provide parts and MRO services for rotorcraft including the A139 and H145.”
Demand Soars, New Orders Flow
In 2026, rotorcraft demand has skyrocketed. But new helicopter sales aren’t just good news for manufacturers. They create years of aftermarket maintenance opportunities for companies like TTA.
According to Kowlessar, “Rising rotorcraft demand and a steady flow of new aircraft orders are welcome signs for the helicopter industry — and for the maintenance providers that keep these aircraft flying. As fleets expand and flight hours increase, so does the need for dependable component maintenance, repair and overhaul services. For Thrust Tech Accessories, the momentum reinforces the importance of helping operators keep their Leonardo AW139 and Airbus H145 helicopters mission-ready.”
Avincis, a Swedish company, recently ordered five AW139s as well as 10 AW169s. After they’re delivered between 2028 and 2030, they’ll support the firm’s growth in its rescue and offshore transport strategy and its planned opening of new European markets.
“In looking at the AW139, produced by Italian helicopter manufacturer AgustaWestland, part of Leonardo, we strongly believe that this rotorcraft type – continually enhanced over the years — is a definite market leader,” Kowlessar stresses. “Size-wise, it occupies the perfect space within the rotorcraft market – just in the middle.”
Putting that in perspective, the twin-engine AW139, which seats up to 15 people and performs critical, mid-to-long-range rescue operations, is smaller than the larger Sikorsky S-92 and the Eurocopter AS332 Super Puma. But this rotorcraft, with origins dating back to 1997, is also larger than Bell 412 and Eurocopter EC155 choppers.
Throughout the years, more than 1,500 AW139s been sold to more than 300 different civilian and military operators in 90 countries across the globe,” says Kowlessar. One reason is a unique feature — a 60-minute, run-dry-capable main gear box.
In fact, the AW139 was the first helicopter to ever enter service with the ability to fly for an hour with a loss of oil, allowing for a half-hour longer in air than many other rotorcraft types. For overwater rescue missions that’s critical for enhanced safety and reliability.
Best-Selling Airbus H145 Also Soars
“As a result of continual enhancements, the Airbus H145 also remains a best seller within both civil and military markets,” emphasizes Kowlessar. The latest version sports a five-bladed bearingless rotor, has improved payload and safety features, and incorporates Helionix avionics.
In fact, this year, Airbus Helicopters expects to complete triple-digit deliveries of new H145s to its customers. Today, the company’s best-selling H145 family (BK117, EC145 and the H145) encompasses some 1,500 helicopters in service across the globe. Statistically speaking, those vital Airbus rotorcraft have clocked more than six million flight hours.
What else is new this year? In 2026, Saudi Arabia’s Helicopter Company (THC) inked a major order of eight new H145s. In addition, Boston MedFlight, which operates an all-Airbus fleet, ordered three new H145s to replace existing aircraft and increase critical care transport capacity within New England.
Playing a Key Role in Ensuring Reliability and Safety
It’s a fact. MROs such as TTA play a key behind-the-scenes role in helping ensure prompt maintenance, repair, and overhaul of rotorcraft engines and accessory components. The end result is that rotorcraft operators are effectively poised at any moment to tackle vital search-and-rescue missions across the globe.
“It’s a simple concept,” stresses Kowlessar. “By providing starter generators and other MRO parts and maintenance services for A139s, H145s, and other rotorcraft, our goal is to keep these workhorses flying properly, safely, and long into the future. They’re truly life savers.”
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.
