Matt Thurber
Editor-in-Chief
Matt Thurber, editor-in-chief at AIN Media Group, has been flying since 1975 and writing about aviation since 1978 and now has the best job in the world, running editorial operations for Aviation International News, Business Jet Traveler, and FutureFlight.aero. In addition to working as an A&P mechanic on everything from Piper Cubs to turboprops, Matt taught flying at his father’s flight school in Plymouth, Mass., in the early 1980s, flew for an aircraft owner/pilot, and for two summer seasons hunted swordfish near the George’s Banks off the East Coast from a Piper Super Cub. An ATP certificated fixed-wing pilot and CFII and commercial helicopter pilot, Matt is type-rated in the Citation 500 and Gulfstream V/550. Based in the Pacific Northwest, Matt and his team cover the entire aviation scene including business aircraft, helicopters, avionics, safety, manufacturing, charter, fractionals, technology, air transport, advanced air mobility, defense, and other subjects of interest to AIN, BJT, and FutureFlight readers.
Latest from Matt Thurber
Engines
Nordam Halts PW800 Nacelle Production
The PW800 nacelle production suspension is due to a contract dispute between Nordam and Pratt & Whitney Canada.
Charter & Fractional
Surf Air Files Counterclaim to Encompass Complaint
Surf Air has responded to the lawsuit filed by Encompass Aviation, which alleges that Surf Air owes it $3.1 million.
Aircraft
Embraer To Retain Executive Jets Division
There is no plan to split off Embraer's Executive Jets division following the joint venture MOU between Embraer and Boeing.
Regulations and Government
FAA Alleges Illegal Charters by Hincojet
The FAA claims that The Hinman Co.'s flight operation Hincojet billed more than the allowable amount for Part 91 flights in its aircraft.
Safety
Big Data and Tech Featured at WAA Safety Day
The Westchester Aviation Association held its Third Annual Safety Day events on June 19, 20
Charter & Fractional
Blink Stops Flying, Relinquishes UK AOC
The UK charter operator will continue flying under an AOC located in continental Europe.
Aircraft
AINsight: The Need for $peed
A market for a supersonic business jet? Perhaps, but the regulatory climate needs to change.
Regulations and Government
Aeronautical Data at Risk in ATC Privatization Debate
The proposal to privatize the U.S. air traffic control system included language that could have raised costs for pilots significantly.
Avionics
Elbit's Universal Avionics Buy Opens New Markets
The combination of Elbit Systems and Universal Avionics creates a new avionics integrator to serve business and commercial aviation.
Charter & Fractional
Advanced Air Takes Over Surf Air Flying
Surf Air offers all-you-can-fly memberships for air charter clients in California, Texas, and Europe.
Avionics
ForeFlight Expands in Europe
A full suite of flight-planning and in-flight services is now available to European operators using the ForeFlight Mobile app.
Aircraft
HondaJet Elite is Honda's Newest Light Jet
The Elite version of the HondaJet features a number of improvements, including a 17 percent increase in range.
Cabin Interior and Electronics
Airtext LT: Satcom for the Price-shy
Airtext LT offers low-cost text messaging for any size aircraft anywhere in the world.
Charter & Fractional
Executive AirShare Expands in Denver
The fractional-share operator is seeing growing customer interest in the western U.S.
Safety
Foldable Alphachocks Series 2 Hold Largest Aircraft
The new Series 2 Alphachocks hold up to 350 tonnes per wheel.
Safety
Do Notams Drive You Nuts?
The Notam system is broken, and Flight Service Bureau wants to help fix it.
Cabin Interior and Electronics
Airmont Solution Speeds Satcom Data Rates
Satcom and airborne television users can enjoy faster connectivity using Airmont's solutions.
Maintenance and Modifications
Team MSU Speeds Textron Support Solutions
Textron Aviation continues investments in European product support
Aircraft
Pilatus Ramping Up PC-24 Deliveries
Pilatus PC-24 activity is increasing, with five already delivered and ramp-up underway for an eventual rate of 50 per year.
Aircraft
Daher Eying Opportunity in Europe, Drives to Digital
Daher's long-term strategic plans include growing its operations in the U.S. and further investments in digital technology and innovation.
Aircraft
Dassault Falcon 6X Bringing Enhancements to Market
The 6X should take flight in early 2021 and enter service in 2022.
Avionics
Universal Avionics All-in On ATN-B1 Datalink
Universal Avionics is seeing an uptick in activity for its datalink and FMS products.
Aircraft
Quest Aircraft Unveils Series II Kodiak
Quest Aircraft introduces Series II Kodiak with avionics, airframe, and engine upgrades.
Cabin Interior and Electronics
Gogo Tapped for High-speed Iridium Hardware
Gogo will manufacture hardware for Iridium's new Certus satcom service and also become a service provider.
Aircraft
Piper Sales Hit Flight-training Sweet Spot
Growth of sales to flight training providers is driving Piper revenues skyward.
Aircraft
Dassault Sees Improving Business Climate
Falcon 8X sales are strong and demand for used 7Xs reflects a strong recovery in the preowned market.
Security
Satcom Direct Demos Hack Attacks at EBACE 2018
Satcom Direct is expanding services that it offers to help protect operators from cybersecurity breaches.
Maintenance and Modifications
Bombardier Ramps Up Customer Experience
Bombardier is adding a second mobile response team jet, a Challenger 300, in Europe.
Cabin Interior and Electronics
Viasat, Embraer Offer Legacy 450/500 Ka-band Satcom
Midsize business jets will be able to have high-speed Ka-band satcom installed.
