December 28, 2023
Andy Martens, Tami Beutel, Luke O’Kane, and Dawit Palmer will help 12th-ranked Thrive Aviation continue its growth track.
Thrive Aviation has expanded its leadership team with four appointments to support continued growth.
CEO Curtis Edenfield says, “Thrive is experiencing exponential growth, and the addition of these critical leaders will prepare us for that growth and is a testament to everything we’ve been building since 2018.”
In 2024, Thrive jumped from the 18th to the 12th spot on our list of the largest charter/fractional operators.
It registered 29.8% growth year-over-year, according to the ARGUS data.
Andy Martens joined the company as vice president of flight operations.
Tami Beutel has been appointed as the vice president of flight support.
Luke O’Kane is now the director of charter sales.
Dawit Palmer becomes the director of fleet maintenance.
A graduate of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Andy Martens brings extensive experience across Part 91, 121, and 135 operations.
Most recently, he served as the Director of Operations for Jet Access Aviation, where he managed a fleet of 31 aircraft, oversaw day-to-day air carrier operations, and worked closely with the Federal Aviation Administration to ensure continuous regulatory compliance.
His efforts led to maintaining the ARGUS Platinum certification, achieving IS-BAO Stage III, and expanding the Part 91 managed fleet.
Tami Beutel brings nearly 30 years of experience in the aviation sector.
Beutel has built a career spanning military operations, aerial interdiction, client services, operations, and standardizations.
Luke O’Kane joins Thrive Aviation as the Director of Charter Sales, bringing over a decade of sales experience.
He brings expertise in managing fleet efficiency, fostering interdepartmental collaboration, building client relationships, and transforming successful charter departments into highly efficient operations.
Born and raised in Vienna, Austria, Dawit came to the US in 2008 and completed a four-year Bachelor’s degree in Aeronautical Science / MX Management at LeTourneau University in Longview, TX.
Since graduating and moving to Dallas in 2012, Dawit has been active as an aviation professional in the DFW metroplex.
He has worked for various Part 145 Repair Stations and Part 135 Air Carriers.
Palmer has been in MX Management roles for the past 10 years and served as the DOM for Trinity Jet, a top 135 Air Carrier in the DFW metroplex, for the past 6 years.
Thrive COO Rickey Oswald adds, “I couldn’t be more excited about the expansion of our leadership team and the future of Thrive; we’re in a great position as a company.”
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