Anna Krivonosova: “My startup provides for the aviation business on both sides of the continent.”

The global aviation industry, barely having recovered after the coronavirus pandemic and a sharp decline in demand, faced new challenges. Energy prices are relentlessly rising, so many companies might face bankruptcy or relocation to other countries. It is a big question whether it is even advisable to start a business in this sector during such difficult times. 

Anna Krivonosova, the president and founder of the successful company Setec Aero, established her company during the pandemic, achieved sustainable growth, and even opened branches in Europe and the USA. Anna talked about how she came to open her own business in the aviation industry, her principles of working under crisis conditions, and her plans for the future. 

From Dreaming of the Skies to Owning Her Company 

Born in Ukraine, Anna Krivonosova gained her higher education in finance. She managed Kharkiv's railway system before moving to Kyiv, where she spent several years as a financial leader in a gas company. There, Anna established herself as an excellent professional, applying her financial skills in practice and enhancing her managerial competencies. 

Due to her determination and strategically structured work, Anna was invited to Moscow as a promising specialist. Besides her professional achievements, Anna successfully balanced her family and work life. Her family became her support system and the most potent motivator in reaching new professional heights. Anna is a wonderful wife and mother of two children. 

Since 2016, Anna has dedicated her career solely to the aviation industry. She studied the operations of airlines and aviation parts delivery companies from the inside, noting deficiencies in communications and internal systems. 

2018 Anna set off to conquer Europe, opening an aviation parts supply company in Vilnius. Under the experienced leadership of Anna Krivonosova, projects were implemented that later defined her career fate and helped her reach new heights. For instance, she organized the repair and creation of a warehouse for unique aviation parts for a famous airline. The development of this case allowed Anna's company to make significant progress in organizing repairs and planning the continuous supply of parts for the fleet. Thanks to her company's collaboration, the airline restored several aircraft that had been inoperative for a long time. 

Another project significantly influenced Anna's role in the aviation business was her collaboration with an airline in bringing a grounded aircraft back into operation. As a result, four Embraer planes were brought back to service and continued to generate revenue for the client instead of just rusting in the parking area. 

From 2016 to 2021, Anna's team worked with Russian Superjet-100s. Through the experience gained in this area, they significantly reduced costs and repair times for clients who had this type of aircraft in their fleets. 

At that time, it seemed Anna had everything one could dream of — a loving family and her successful aviation business. However, Anna thought not only on a grand scale but also strategically. She took a new, meticulously planned step to realize her ideas and open up more opportunities fully. 

Strategically Thought-Out Startup 

With substantial practical experience in management, finance, and business development, Anna Krivonosova moved to the USA and founded her business here. Setec Aero, a specialized supplier of aviation parts and components, has become renowned for its world-class service and exceptional client attention within three years of operation. 

Anna took into account all the flaws she had noticed in her previous positions, analyzed her experience in the aviation business, and assembled a team of highly qualified specialists capable of not just doing their job but approaching each client's issue comprehensively, predicting, and optimizing. 

"Our company hasn't been on the market for long, but we have already earned loyal customers for whom we save time. They feel the difference, which is reflected in their bank accounts," notes Anna Krivonosova. 

After eight years in the industry, Anna realized that to earn a reputation in aviation, more is needed to provide repair or replace a necessary part simply, and even high-quality work does not guarantee a flow of clients. It's essential to consider many nuances and plan maintenance issues months, and sometimes years, in advance. 

"We operate proactively—not only do we develop a maintenance program for the aircraft, but we also optimize stocks so that parts with a limited shelf life are not left in the warehouse unused and do not occupy rented space," says Anna Krivonosova. 

An airplane only earns when it's in the air, so Anna's company's goal is to quickly find a reliable supplier within the established database and plan further maintenance of the aircrafts. This way, the client saves significant money, and Anna's company earns recognition and trust. 

"Setec Aero is growing and evolving quickly, demonstrating high performance. In 2023, a branch was opened in France, which became a partner with the largest aerospace manufacturer, and negotiations are underway to sign contracts with global airline companies and other major market leaders." 

The strategic placement of offices on two continents ensures the company can supply parts and components to clients worldwide. 24-hour support and a personalized approach are the fundamental principles of work. Airplanes should fly and immediately find a supplier to replace or repair a part. 

The Role of the President of Her Own Company 

Despite the challenging economic climate and launching her business amid a downturn in the industry, Anna managed to keep her company afloat and increase productivity. Belief in herself and support from loved ones strengthened her and inspired her to achieve her goals. 

Within a year, the company established itself in the market. It acquired an impressive base of suppliers (about 250) and partners, opened a European branch, and established operations with principal manufacturers on a partnership basis. The financial indicators of Setec Aero multiplied, and the level of employee salaries was 2.5 times higher than the average salary among startups in the USA. 

"I'm not chasing quick profits, preferring to deeply understand the client's needs and develop a unique solution that will work specifically for this client under current conditions," concludes Anna Krivonosova. 

Moving forward, Anna expects to strengthen the company's position in the industry and plans to participate in conferences to share valuable experience with colleagues. Also, there are plans to patent the most unique technologies developed within the company. 

Additionally, Anna plans to develop a new information product — a CRM system capable of making aviation parts supply as transparent, convenient, and efficient as possible. 

Anna knows she is moving in the right direction, as those who once came for a solution remain loyal clients today. 

Anna is a shining example of a successful leader in the aviation industry. Thanks to her professional skills, ability to work with people, and effective management, she has achieved significant heights and earned the trust of her colleagues and partners. Anna is actively engaged in innovative activities, demonstrating the economic growth of her company despite crises. Her determination to develop her business to influence the aviation industry is a bold step, demonstrating her ambitions and confidence in her company.