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
Aircraft
HondaJet Elite II Makes EAA AirVenture Debut
For the first time, Honda Aircraft brought its latest model, the Elite II, to EAA AirVenture Oshkosh.
Aircraft
Electric Flyers Might Soon Fly Velis Electro
The Velis Electro is the world' first certified electric aircraft to make it into commercial production, and most buyers are using it for flight training.
Rotorcraft
Enstrom Celebrates 30 Years at Oshkosh
Under new ownership for more than a year, Enstrom Helicopter is growing again and showing off its helicopters at EAA AirVenture.
Engines
Collins Expands Additive Manufacturing Center
With the opening of its expanded facility, Collins Aerospace plans to develop more parts using the additive manufacturing process.
Avionics
Garmin Adding King Air Autoland, New Autothrottle
The next Autoland system from Garmin will be for the King Air 200 series, followed by the King Air 300.
Aircraft
FAA Proposes Modernizing Special Airworthiness Certs
FAA's Mosaic rule making is expected to bring performance-based standards to light sport aircraft certification as well as electric power.
Cabin Interior and Electronics
Support for MCS Satcom To Continue Under Ontic
Honeywell is licensing support for its MCS satellite communication system to Ontic, which will move MCS support operations to Chatsworth, California.
Training and Workforce
Hera Initiative Seeks To Move the Needle in Bizav Careers
The Hera initiative raises the question of whether business aviation might ease its personnel shortage by improving career circumstances.
Maintenance and Modifications
Spectra Jet Still Growing After 25 Years
After launching Learjet maintenance company Spectra Jet 25 years ago, the MRO is expanding into supporting new aircraft types.
Avionics
Honeywell Adding HUD to Its Avionics Portfolio
Honeywell's purchase of Saab's head-up display will bring new competition to the HUD market for business aviation, airlines, and military platforms.
Aircraft
Embraer Engineering Facing Future Challenges
Embraer's engineering team is exploring a variety of technologies to power aircraft of the future.
Embraer Aims To Triple Revenue in Next Five Years
Embraer's Fit4Growth plan is moving ahead after recovery from the pandemic accelerates progress in various programs.
Aircraft
Eve Steps Up Ground Tests Ahead of eVTOL Prototype Assembly
Selection of the main equipment suppliers for Eve’s eVTOL vehicle will happen during the second half of the year, according to company executives.
Safety
Ergo Blue App Adds Ships, Rigs Display on ForeFlight
Pilots facing emergency ditching situations during overwater flights can now view ship and oil rig location on the ForeFlight app.
Aircraft
Honda Aircraft Go for Launch of HondaJet 2600 Light Jet
Unveiled at the 2021 NBAA convention, the HondaJet 2600 Concept jet is set to achieve certification in 2028.
Maintenance and Modifications
AINsight: Solving the Mx Tech Shortage without More Techs
Too much aircraft maintenance is done just for the sake of it, not because it is truly necessary, and this ties up valuable mechanic time.
Turtles Fly Too Seeks Ride for Tally the Turtle
An endangered Kemp's ridley turtle needs to be flown to Texas from Wales, where it was rescued after being cold-shocked.
Avionics
Father of EGPWS Don Bateman Passes Away at 91
Don Bateman, who held multiple patents for flight safety-related products and retired from Honeywell in 2016, died on May 21.
Aircraft
Classic Lear Jet Moving into Bombardier Hangar
After sitting on a ramp in Florida for 27 years, Lear Jet 23-003, the first one delivered to a customer, is ready for restoration to begin.
Charter & Fractional
Executive Fliteways Acquires ExcelAire, Adds to Fleet
After buying ExcelAire, Long Island, New York-based charter and management firm Executive Fliteways now offers a fleet of 20 aircraft.
FutureFlight
Eve Steps Up Ground Tests In Preparation For eVTOL Prototype Assembly
Eve Air Mobility is working with suppliers and testing components for its prototype eVTOL aircraft.
Maintenance and Modifications
Profound Change Moves the Maintenance Market
Supply chain problems, a tough market for finding new technical personnel, and door-busting levels of business are affecting aircraft MRO providers.
Cabin Interior and Electronics
Satcom Giants Joined after Viasat Closes Inmarsat Buy
The purchase of Inmarsat by Viasat completes an acquisition plan that was announced in November 2021.
Aircraft
HondaJet 2600 May Be Nearing Launch Decision
The HondaJet 2600 "Concept" could become Honda Aircraft's next program, and a launch decision may be made soon.
Aircraft
HondaJet Elite II Receives EASA Nod
The HondaJet Elite II made its EBACE debut and received EASA certification during the show.
Security
Bizjet Protesters Breach Geneva Airport Secure Zone
A group of protesters who claim to be against the use of business jets knocked down fences around the EBACE static display.
Accidents
HondaJet Owners Concerned About Runway Issues
The HondaJet Owners & Pilots Association plans to hold to safety standdown event to discuss runway excursion issues.
Aircraft
Cessna Citation Longitude Fleet Growing as 100th Rolled Out
With delivery of the 100th Longitude, Textron Aviation's flagship business jet is building momentum.
Finance, Taxes, Insurance
Global Jet Capital Predicts Bizjet Pullback before Climbout
The business jet market is taking a breather after a rapid buildup during the Covid pandemic, according to Global Jet Capital.
Aircraft
Textron Aviation Unveils Ascend as Latest in XL Family
The new Ascend adds another jet to Textron Aviation's family of business jets with Garmin G5000 flight decks.
