“Safety is aviation’s first rule”
Salih Zeki Oztrck.
Safety is the top priority in the aviation and aerospace industry. It influences every decision and process, protecting lives and building trust among customers. This focus on safety is crucial for maintaining the industry’s strong reputation. Leaders in this field are known for their accuracy, creativity, and forward-thinking approach. These qualities are vital for developing sustainable flight solutions and exploring space.
Salih Zeki Ozturk, the founder of Total Technic, embodies these leadership qualities. With many years of experience as an aeronautical engineer, he has always prioritized safety, quality, and customer satisfaction. Under his guidance, Total Technic has become a well-respected name in aviation services around the world. The company has rolled out advanced maintenance solutions and established strict safety protocols that raise the bar for the entire industry. Salih’s practical experience and entrepreneurial drive have not only fueled the growth of Total Technic but have also played a significant role in promoting sustainable aviation practices. His dedication to excellence and progress has made him a visionary leader in the field.
Engineering Experience, Global Vision
Salih Zeki Ozturk’s career in aviation spans over three decades, beginning with his graduation from the prestigious Middle East Technical University (METU) with a degree in Aeronautical Engineering. He entered the industry through Istanbul Airlines, one of Turkey’s pioneering private carriers. Over the next several years, he expanded his expertise across various airline roles, ultimately serving as General Manager at MNG Teknik. Driven by a desire to shape his vision for aviation services, Salih eventually stepped away from corporate roles to carve out a new chapter—a new chapter defined by entrepreneurship, resilience, and an enduring commitment to excellence.
Building a Legacy in Aviation
Salih Zeki Ozturk used his years of experience to start Total Technic, a company offering great customer service in the aviation industry. From the outset, the organization has prioritized safety through continuous training programs and an anonymous feedback system, allowing employees to report issues without hesitation. The company’s Safety Management System was among the first to receive formal EASA approval, and then committed to enhancing the training and processes to minimize risks and ensure safety.
The Rise of Total Technic: Milestones and Mission
Total Technic’s evolution has mirrored Salih’s growth as a visionary leader. Initially, between 2003 and 2012, the company focused on consultancy, representation, and brokerage services, becoming the local representative for global giants like Snecma, CFM, and Lufthansa Technik. However, recognizing emerging needs in the aviation industry, Ozturk strategically pivoted toward MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul) services.
In 2003, driven by the understanding of the sector and a vision to create something enduring, Salih Zeki Ozturk founded Total Technic. What began as a consultancy and representation firm has since transformed into a major player in aircraft maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO), certified by leading aviation authorities such as EASA, FAA, and Turkey’s DGCA. His leadership continues to guide Total Technic into a future shaped by global expansion, advanced capability, and talent-driven growth.
Key milestones followed in rapid succession:
- 2012: EASA Part 145 approval marked the company’s formal entry into certified aviation maintenance.
- 2013: Turkish DGCA certification followed, strengthening domestic operations.
- 2015: FAA approval enabled Total Technic to cater to a broader international clientele.
- 2019: New component repair shops were launched at Antalya Airport, adding 1,500 m² to their repair capabilities.
- 2022: The company began line maintenance services with approvals from both EASA and Turkish DGCA, now serving Istanbul and Antalya.
Today, Total Technic holds multi-register authorizations from aviation authorities in Bermuda, Tajikistan, Libya, South Africa, and Kazakhstan, enabling it to serve aircraft across Europe and beyond.
Salih Zeki Ozturk has shared his company’s gross profit data to represent the company’s growth:
Adapting to Changes and Challenges
Total Technic has developed strong capabilities to anticipate and manage future industry disruptions through decades of experience in Turkish and global aviation. The company has overcome major challenges, including the global impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the consequences of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, which led to the loss of its Russian airline clients. Despite these setbacks, Total Technic has maintained consistent year-on-year growth and recently expanded its workforce to over 100 employees.
One of the major challenges comes from original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) such as Collins Aerospace and Honeywell. These companies often maintain premium pricing, limit access to tools and data, and impose complex administrative procedures. These practices create significant operational bottlenecks for independent MRO providers and threaten to diminish competition across the industry. As a result, OEMs may limit airlines’ choices in maintenance services and compel them to accept repair terms.
Built on Relationships, Not Transactions
Total Technic has prioritized customer satisfaction as a core principle, placing it above profitability. The company’s commitment has led to lasting relationships with clients, with none leaving in the past decade unless airlines ceased operations.
Established in Istanbul, where Europe, Asia, and Africa meet, Total Technic enjoys outstanding connectivity. Turkish Airlines operates over 400 global destinations, so customers can efficiently ship and receive components via a single flight, streamlining the repair and return process.
The company benefits from the skills of recently retired engineers from Turkish Airlines. Their extensive industry knowledge has accelerated the development of new capabilities and positioned them as invaluable mentors to the next generation of technicians within the organization.
Building Tomorrow’s MRO Infrastructure
Total Technic continues to seize the vast potential of the aviation sector with a future-oriented approach. In 2025, the company is set to launch three cutting-edge workshops that are nearing completion. These include a Heat Exchanger Shop, Hydraulic Shop, and Hydraulic Pump Shop, each expected to be fully operational by mid-June, pending EASA, FAA, and Turkish DGCA approvals. The company will prominently feature these developments on its official website, www.totaltechnic.aero.
Total Technic has attracted significant interest from major industry players exploring merger and acquisition opportunities. Total Technic has attracted strong acquisition interest, with three entities under NDA and several global players proposing joint ventures or satellite partnerships. Several international companies have proposed partnerships to establish satellite workshops in their respective countries, recognizing Total Technic’s strong capabilities in emergency equipment, particularly aircraft slides, fire extinguishing systems, and oxygen regulators. These offers reflect the growing global demand for the firm’s specialized services.
Looking ahead, one of the most promising ventures is a potential hangar project under discussion with a partner in the Gulf region. If realized, this initiative would mark a landmark expansion in Total Technic’s operational footprint and further solidify its status as a global leader in aviation maintenance and repair services.
Investing in Talent for a Sustainable Future
To stay ahead of technological advancements and sustainability requirements, the company prioritizes talent development. It uses its in-house EASA Part 145 training department and collaborates with EASA- and Turkish DGCA-approved institutions to ensure its team remains highly skilled and up to date.
Inside Total Technic’s Workforce Team Size: 100+ Employees Training & Development:
- In-house EASA Part 145 Training Center
- Mentorship from retired Turkish Airlines engineers
- External courses via EASA & Turkish DGCA-approved institutions
Focus Areas:
- Component Repair
- Line Maintenance
Outcomes:
- Low employee turnover
- High institutional knowledge
- Strong talent pipeline
Preparing for Growth With New Hangar Initiatives
The global aviation sector is experiencing rapid growth, driven by rising passenger demand, particularly in regions such as India and Africa, where annual growth rates range from 7% to 10%. This surge has significantly increased the need for passenger aircraft, with Boeing and Airbus each producing around 45 units of their respective 737 and A320 models monthly. Despite these efforts, manufacturers cannot meet current demand, resulting in extended delivery times.
The rising aircraft count has also heightened the demand for maintenance services, creating a need for additional hangar space and component workshops. In response, Total Technic plans to launch a new hangar project, either in Turkey or in another strategic location. Total Technic might collaborate with investors or form a joint venture with an airline to pursue this initiative, thus aligning with their long-term vision for supporting global maintenance infrastructure.
Balancing Innovation, Safety, and People
Salih Zeki Ozturk’s principles guide his leadership and the long-term success of the organization. With a philosophy grounded in safety, customer-centricity, and disciplined innovation. He built his approach on four foundational principles:
- Safety & Quality First: Every decision, whether operational or strategic, is weighed against its impact on flight safety and regulatory compliance. Safety is non-negotiable.
- Customer-First Commitment: Every client relationship is nurtured for the long term over short-term gains.
- Disciplined Agility: Innovation is embraced, but always within a framework of feasibility, ROI analysis, and phased implementation. This ensures smart, sustainable growth.
- People as the Core Asset: Salih Zeki Ozturk invests heavily in talent, fostering a learning environment where experienced mentors work closely with young engineers. Continuous development is embedded in the company’s DNA.
His leadership style reflects a balance of technical precision, business acumen, and human-centric management qualities that have earned Total Technic its respected place in the global aviation industry.
Open Letter from Salih Zeki Öztürk, Founder of Total Technic
Dear Future Aviation and Aerospace Leaders,
The Future of the Aviation Industry is bright as the collective effort we put into safety, sustainability, and innovation. I believe safety must always come before profit. Staying obsessively close to our customers and constantly learning—faster than technology evolves—are crucial to long-term success. I focus on building diverse teams, sharing achievements, and embracing partnerships, even with competitors, when it leads to meaningful value for the company.
To me, aviation is built on collaboration. We must work together to share data, reduce our environmental impact, and safeguard open competition in the aftermarket, ensuring that every airline, regardless of size, can continue to operate safely and affordably. Let us continue to lead by example, putting safety and sustainability at the heart of every innovation.
With Warmth and Strength, Salih Zeki Öztürk, Founder, Total Technic
5 Key Takeaways:
- Safety First – Every decision prioritizes flight safety, regulatory compliance, and risk mitigation above all else.
- Customer Commitment – Long-term client relationships are valued more than short-term profits, ensuring strong loyalty and retention.
- Strategic Growth – Evolved from consultancy to global MRO provider with certifications from EASA, FAA, and Turkish DGCA.
- Talent Development – In-house training, mentorship by aviation veterans, and young engineers fuel innovation and resilience.
- Future Expansion – New workshops, hangar projects, and global partnerships position Total Technic for the next growth phase
