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&amp;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.

Editor-in-Chief

Matt Thurber

Hawker Beechcraft achieved the first new aircraft sale at this year’s EBACE show when Jordanian charter operator RayaJet and its sister company Ayla Aviation Academy signed a contract yesterday evening for a Premier II. This will be the first aircraft of its type operating in the Middle East.
The $7.4 million Premier II was announced at the 2008 EBACE show and is an upgraded version of the existing Premier IA, with 20 percent more range, increased payload and higher cruise speeds. According to Hawker Beechcraft, the Premier II is on track to complete U.S. certification in the second quarter of 2010, followed by European approval.
RayaJet and Ayla Aviation Academy signed a strategic alliance last year and plan to merge this year. RayaJet is a charter/management, handling and catering company, and Ayla Aviation provides pilot training in the Middle East. 
The Jordanian companies are expected to make more news here in Geneva today.

News and developments about airplanes, helicopters and unmanned air vehicles used in all varieties of operations, including airlines, military, business, commercial, general aviation and private.

Hawker kicks off EBACE sales tally

Hawker Beechcraft achieved the first new aircraft sale at this year’s EBACE show when Jordanian charter operator RayaJet and its sister company Ayla Aviati

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

Kerry Lynch

News and issues relating to business, corporate and private aviation, primarily regarding turbine-engine-powered airplanes and helicopters. Subjects include aircraft, engines, maintenance, operations, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security, and training.

Essential news and analysis on the defense aerospace business. Your trusted source for new and ongoing programs and requirements in military aircraft (manned and unmanned), engines, avionics, weapons and associated systems, including ground-based air defense.

In the shorter term, Global 8000 is nearing completion

Bombardier Eyes Uncrewed Future for EcoJet Technologies

Revenues reached $1.5 billion in the first quarter with 23 deliveries

Bombardier Sees Revenue Jump, More Tariff Certainty

The high-performance turboprop goes fast and is a pleasure to fly

Pilot Report: An Epic Epic E1000 GX

Hanneke Weitering

News and developments about everything that goes into the cabin of an aircraft, from floor coverings to headliners, with a special emphasis on in-flight entertainment, communications and other electronics for passengers. If it is in the cabin of an aircraft, it’s covered here.

450 Wh/kg SiCore batteries are now commercially available

Amprius Launches Higher-energy ‘SiCore’ Batteries for Aircraft

It comes on the heels of the G800's FAA and EASA certification.

Gulfstream Racks Up 700th City Pair Record

Charles Alcock

News and developments about aircraft engines, including turbofan, turboprop, turboshaft and piston.

News about environmental issues relating to aircraft operations, including noise issues, emissisions, and regulations. See Fuel for biofuel.

Dutch start-up aims to bring regional airliner to market in 2030

Cormorant Prepares to Start Testing Hybrid-Electric Demonstrator

Curt Epstein

Phenom and Praetor backlog now stands at $7.6 billion

Embraer Executive Jets Reaches New Backlog High

Jessica Reed

News and issues relating to the aerospace industry that are related to the science, engineering and business of flight in space involving civil, industrial and military applications, and similar topics related to flight in the atmosphere of the Earth that are not covered more directly by other AINonline subject channels. In other words, both astronautical and aeronautical subjects, except for those aeronautical topics that are specifically covered elsewhere on this website.

EBACE Convention News 2009

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