Our Mission
Our MissionOur company works to provide proactive services and personalized sophistication to every moment of our guests’ flight experience. The excellence of our work ensures that each customer receives more of what’s needed before they need it. More accessibility. Less interference. A reduction of risk and expansion of comfort. We ensure all elements of excellence.
Our Argus rating ensures the safety that our guests deserve. Our pilots ensure the comfort of their passengers through their experiences and personalities. Our technology ensures that you can take off and arrive exactly as you desire. Our accessibility ensures that you can reach your destination as soon as you can envision it. We ensure personal service that delivers exclusive excellence, enabling the excellence and propels the potential in us all.
Leadership
Chief Executive Officer & Partner
Curtis Edenfield
Curtis Edenfield, the driving force behind Thrive Aviation, brings a wealth of expertise and passion to the private aviation industry. With a distinguished career marked by a commitment to excellence, innovation, and client satisfaction.
Curtis’ deep-seated love for aviation was cultivated from a young age, inspired by both parents being in the aviation industry. Armed with two undergraduate degrees from Southern Methodist University, Curtis embarked on a career in aviation. His early professional endeavors saw him at Southwest Airlines, where he started in Revenue Management and eventually went on to help with enterprise wide projects, such as the transition from Sabre to Amadeus reservation systems. However, Curtis always harbored a vision of creating his own legacy in the industry. Teaming up with his brother, Stuart Edenfield, Curtis realized his entrepreneurial dream, giving rise to what we now know as Thrive Aviation.
Curtis is more than a CEO; he is a visionary leader who continually innovates to meet the ever-evolving needs of the luxury travel market. His forward-thinking approach has positioned Thrive Aviation as a trailblazer in the industry. Since Thrives inception, the company has seen exponential growth, leading it to be one of the top operators in the world, recognized by the Private Jet Card Comparisons. Curtis Edenfield’s strategic approach and commitment to excellence have not only fueled the company’s success but has also set a new standard in the private aviation sector.
Beyond his role as CEO, Curtis is even more passionate about his family. Curtis, his wife and 2 children have dug their roots deep in the Las Vegas community by being active in various groups include Young Presidents Organization (YPO), Hope Church, and multiple youth activities for their children.
Chief Operating Officer & Partner
Rickey Oswald
Rickey Oswald is an accomplished Executive in the aviation industry, now serving as the Chief Operating Officer of Thrive Aviation. With an impressive career spanning over two decades, Rickey has become a cornerstone in building and scaling Part 135 operators through strategic vision and transformational leadership. His deep operational and regulatory insight, honed from his foundational years at a Part 121 regional carrier Check Airman and simulator instructor, has been instrumental in steering the day-to-day operations of Thrive Aviation to success.
Transitioning to corporate aviation marked a pivotal shift in Rickey’s career, leading him to excel in various leadership roles such as SVP of Operations, Director of Operations, Chief Pilot, and Management Executive for multiple Part 135 operators. His dedication to corporate aviation is evident in his meticulous focus on owner advocacy, operational integrity, and revenue optimization, ensuring the efficient management of Thrive’s core fleet and the specialized needs of managed aircraft.
Rickey uses his deep knowledge of aviation and leadership to oversee the company’s daily operations, focusing on safety, efficiency, pricing, and customer satisfaction. He is passionate about aviation and is committed to enhancing the company’s fleet management and operational integrity. With over 10,000 flight hours and six jet type ratings, Rickey is also an accomplished ATP type-rated pilot. Rickey holds a Bachelor’s degree in Aviation Science.
Outside of work, Rickey is active in his community in Las Vegas, NV, supports local outreach programs, and is involved with The Crossing Church – Windmill campus. He lives with his wife, three children, and two miniature Goldendoodles.
Vice President, People and Culture
Kelly Pryor
Kelly is a seasoned professional with over a decade of experience in Human Resources. As the Vice President of People and Culture, Kelly leads strategic initiatives aimed at attracting top talent, fostering employee retention, and enhancing the overall employee experience.
Prior to her role at Thrive Aviation, she held positions of increasing responsibility, including Human Resources Director at a local gaming company, where she managed HR operations and fostered positive workplace cultures. Kelly holds a Master’s Degree in Human Resources Management from Saint Francis University and a Bachelor of Science in Business Management from Providence College. Additionally, she is certified as a Professional in Human Resources (PHR) by the HR Certification Institute.
In her free time, Kelly enjoys playing volleyball, golfing, and spending time with her 2 children.
Vice President, Finance
Nate Nelson
Nate attended Southern Utah University, where he obtained his undergraduate and post graduate degrees in accounting, prior to obtaining his CPA license in 2013, which he still actively holds. After finishing his education, Nate moved to Las Vegas where he started his career working for a national public accounting firm, gaining expertise in several different industries.
In 2017 Nate accepted a position to become the head of finance and accounting for a gaming focused customer loyalty software development company. Nate excelled and enjoyed his time in that role for approximately 6 years, which culminated in the sale of IP Assets to a large publicly traded slot machine manufacturer.
In 2023 Nate joined Thrive Aviation as the head of finance and accounting, with the singular focus on working hand in hand with the executive team to continue growing and expanding the business.Outside of work, Nate enjoys spending time with his son and daughter, staying physically active, and enjoying the warm Las Vegas weather.
Vice President, Flight Operations
Andrew Martens
Andy Martens is an accomplished aviation executive and graduate of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University with a broad background in Part 91, 121, and 135 operations. Over the course of his career, he has led complex flight departments, driven operational improvements, and helped organizations achieve top-tier safety certifications, including ARG/US Platinum and IS-BAO Stage III.
Andy has flown a range of aircraft from business jets to commercial airliners and has held senior leadership roles responsible for regulatory compliance, fleet operations, pilot development, and strategic planning. His experience also includes time as a Cirrus Standardized Instructor Pilot (CSIP), where he contributed to pilot training and safety in the general aviation community.
Widely recognized for his focus on operational excellence and safety culture, Andy has successfully modernized operational frameworks, enhanced training programs, and championed initiatives to improve quality of life for flight crews.
Outside of aviation, he enjoys coaching his kids’ soccer teams, playing guitar, and spending time with his family.
Vice President, Sales
Michelle Adair
With over a decade of dedicated experience in the aviation industry, Michelle currently holds the position of Vice President of Sales at Thrive Aviation, where she spearheads strategic sales initiatives to drive business growth and client satisfaction.
Prior to joining Thrive Aviation, she served as the Director of Charter and Director of Charter/Dispatch at previous part 135 operators, where she played a pivotal role in expanding the company’s charter services and fostering strong client relationships. Her comprehensive experience across various roles in the aviation sector has equipped her with a deep understanding of the industry landscape and a proven track record of delivering results.
Michelle holds a Bachelor of Science in Aviation from the University of Central Missouri. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her son and friends, her mini goldendoodle, and living an active lifestyle.
Vice President, Maintenance & Ground Operations
Dawit Palmer
Born and raised in Vienna, Austria, Dawit moved to the U.S. in 2008 to pursue his passion for aviation. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in Aeronautical Science and Maintenance Management from LeTourneau University in Longview, Texas.
Since graduating and relocating to Dallas in 2012, Dawit has built a strong career as an aviation professional, holding key roles at several Part 145 Repair Stations and Part 135 Air Carriers. With over a decade of experience in maintenance leadership, he most recently served as Director of Maintenance for a leading Part 135 operator in the DFW metroplex.
Director of Fleet Management
Zachary Anderson
In his role as the Director of Fleet Management, Zach oversees the strategic alignment, guidance, and accountability for the operational efficiencies of Thrive’s aircraft fleet – including forecast planning, analysis, and account management oversight in support of Thrive’s business development strategies.
Zach leverages over a decade of aviation industry experience in this role, having previously served in diverse capacities in both commercial and corporate aviation sectors. His varied background includes forecast planning, regulatory compliance, logistics and supply chain engineering, project and product management, and client relationship initiatives.
Zach holds a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration. He is an advocate for several conservation groups and volunteer organizations within the Las Vegas community.
Director of Operations & Partner
Stuart Edenfield
Stuart Edenfield has more than a decade of aviation experience and currently serves as the Director of Operations. Previous roles include VP of Flight Operations and Chief Pilot.
With a deep passion for aviation, Stuart pursued his private pilot license after graduating college with a Finance degree. Stuart quickly realized he wanted to make his passion a career and began working at a rapidly growing part 135 company where he eventually served as the Assistant Chief Pilot.
This momentum led to the creation of Thrive Aviation with his brother, Curtis and other partners. He loves building teams and pushing Thrive Aviation into becoming a world class company. Stuart has logged over 5,500 hours total flight time and currently serves as a captain and FAA check pilot at Thrive Aviation.
Stuart graduated from Southern Methodist University with a degree in Finance from Cox School of Business. He enjoys spending time with his wife and kids, golfing, hiking, soccer, and is a self-proclaimed foodie.
Director of Safety
Keith Boone
Keith Boone is the Director of Safety at Thrive Aviation, where he leads the company’s Safety Management System (SMS), Emergency Response Program (ERP), and comprehensive aviation safety initiatives. With more than 25 years of cross-industry experience spanning aviation and automotive operations, maintenance, and manufacturing, Keith brings deep expertise in regulatory compliance, safety culture development, and organizational resilience.
Keith has a proven track record managing ISO 14001, OHSAS 18001, and IATF 16949 systems, and has successfully led organizations through third-party audits including Wyvern Wingman Pro, ARGUS Platinum, and IS-BAO Stage 2. Prior to joining Thrive, he held key leadership roles at Gulfstream Aerospace and Visual Image Systems Company, where he directed large-scale safety, quality, and sustainability programs.
His areas of specialization include aviation safety reporting systems, facility and equipment compliance, project management, and occupational health. At Thrive, Keith chairs the Event Review Committee, serves as a key advocate for safety culture, and drives companywide emergency preparedness.
Keith holds a degree in Mechanical and Architectural Design, a Certificate in Sustainability Studies from Georgia Southern University, and is a certified SMS and emergency preparedness manager.
Based in Henderson, Nevada, Keith integrates his professional discipline into everyday life—maintaining a deep-water hydroponic garden, raising backyard chickens and exploring the outdoors. He is a dedicated father and an advocate for mental health awareness.
Chief Pilot
Paul Welge
Paul Welge currently serves as Chief Pilot, bringing a strong background in both leadership and flight operations. He has flown as captain on the Citation Longitude and Gulfstream G600, and previously held type ratings on the Challenger 604 and Learjet 45. He played a key role in developing Thrive’s flight crew training programs and has served as the main point of contact for a pilot group of over 100 employees. His prior leadership experience includes serving as Director of Safety, where he championed safety standards and regulatory compliance.
Paul holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from Texas Tech University. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his wife, family, and two German Shepherds.
