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
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.
Avionics
Anthem Avionics Suite Preps for Prime Time
Honeywell's Anthem avionics design adds new functionality to aircraft of any size, from eVTOLs to airliners.
Training and Workforce
Textron Aviation Adding CJ Simulator in Farnborough
TRU convertible Citation CJ3+/M2 Gen2 full-flight simulator to join FlightSafety Farnborough learning center in 2025.
Training and Workforce
FlightSimExpo Celebrating At-home Simulation
FlightSimExpo expects more than 70 exhibitors at this year's event, to be held in Houston at the Lone Star Flight Museum.
Avionics
Aspen Offers E5 Display Fifth Anniversary Discount
Aircraft owners can purchase the Aspen Avionics E5 primary flight display for just $4,995.
Aircraft
Delayed Denali Adding Garmin Autoland Capability
Textron Aviation has revealed that the Denali turboprop will be certified in early 2025 and that the Denali will include Garmin Autoland capability.
Cabin Interior and Electronics
ViaSat-3 Launched, Achieves Signal Acquisition
Viasat's new high-speed broadband satcom network is underway following launch of the first ViaSat-3 satellite.
Avionics
KTEB Hosts Honeywell’s First Guided Visual Approach
With the right equipment and training, there's now a safer way to fly the ILS 6, circle to 1 approach into Teterboro Airport.
Avionics
Sentry AML-STC Done, Meets Canada CVR Mandate
The Flight Data Systems Sentry cockpit voice recorder can be installed in a variety of turboprops and business jets under a new AML-STC.
Cabin Interior and Electronics
Alto Offers Receptacles for Cabin Tablet Mounting
The new Alto Aviation Cadence base receptacles for mounting tablets in cabins are available in a variety of configurations.
Avionics
SmartSky Skytelligence Adds Airborne Intranet Routing
SmartSky's private intranet enables secure airborne connectivity and eliminates the need for a VPN.
Avionics
Universal Avionics Gains Connected FMS TSO
The Universal Avionics Connectivity Ecosystem adds safety and convenience features to Universal's Connected FMS.
Avionics
Blackhawk Nearing STC for GI 275 Standby in Citations
Replacement of older standby instruments in Citations with Garmin's GI 275 electronic standby will reduce maintenance costs and increase reliability.
Avionics
AEA Opens 66th Annual Convention and Trade Show
Workforce development is a key focus at this year's Aircraft Electronics Association Convention and Trade Show.
Avionics
Mid-Continent 3-Pack Standby Package Goes Digital
Mid-Continent's new Flex 3-Pack digital instruments are relatively easy to swap with older mechanical two-inch instruments.
Maintenance and Modifications
True Blue Power Adds Lithium Batteries for Light Aircraft
The new main ship batteries from True Blue Power weigh just 10 pounds and are designed for 14- and 28-volt light aircraft electrical systems.
Avionics
AEA Announces Industry Award Winners
The Aircraft Electronics Association plans to honor Dewey Conroy and Avidyne at its 66th annual convention in Orlando.
Avionics
Garmin Unveils PlaneSync Datalink for Managing Data
Capturing flight data and updating avionics databases will be much simpler with installation of Garmin's PlaneSync connected aircraft management system.
Aircraft
Piper Highlights Fleet to European Audience
Piper Aircraft has unveiled new functionality for the M600/SLS's Garmin G3000 avionics suite.
Maintenance and Modifications
Officials Break Ground for AMT School in Kentucky
In a partnership between FEAM Aero and Epic Flight Academy, a new school to develop aircraft maintenance technicians will open in 2024 at KCVG Airport.
