A lifelong aviation enthusiast who joined&nbsp;AIN&nbsp;in 2007, Curt came to&nbsp;the publication&nbsp;from the broadcast industry where he was a national science and technology television reporter and producer. He writes on the FBO field, aviation finance, and sustainable aviation and occasionally contributes to&nbsp;AIN&nbsp;sister publication&nbsp;Business Jet Traveler. Curt was a member of the AINtv reporting staff that won the 2008 Aerospace Journalist of the Year award for Best Airshow Daily. That same year, he was a finalist for another AJOYA award. He earned an AJOYA for Best Business Aviation Submission in 2018 and was a finalist in that category in 2021. He received the National Air Transportation Association’s&nbsp; Aviation Journalist Award in 2012 and won a Pegasus Sapphire Business Aviation Award for outstanding journalism in 2021.
Before joining AIN, Curt worked with&nbsp;Consumer Reports’ television division, CRTV, and for several local television news staffs. An honors graduate of the State University of New York at Stony Brook, he earned a master’s degree in broadcast journalism from Boston University in 1995. Curt lives in New York State with his wife and two young sons.

Senior Editor

Curt Epstein

Aviation services provider Avflight has expanded the footprint of its network with the opening of an FBO at Michigan’s Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GRR). It becomes the second at the Grand Rapids gateway and the company’s 22nd location worldwide.

 


The five-acre, $7 million facility was <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/business-aviation/2019-03-01/avflight-tapped-new-fbo-michigan">completed on schedule</a>, despite complications from the Covid-19 crisis. Located on the east side of the field, it consists of a 5,000-sq-ft terminal, which is open 24/7 and offers a passenger and pilot lounges, concierge services, and 1,650 sq ft of tenant office space, along with indoor car parking, and complimentary car washes. The adjoining 30,000-sq-ft hangar, which has 400-amp electric service, can accommodate aircraft up to a Gulfstream G650.

 


“We are thrilled to bring Avflight’s expertise and passion for aviation to GRR as a gateway to West Michigan,” said Garrett Hain, v-p of finance for the Avfuel-sister company that now operates seven FBOs in its home state. “The region is full of vibrant communities and is an epicenter for business, education, art, dining, entertainment, and tourism. Our investment reflects our long-term commitment to the airport and the services it provides.”

New developments at FBOs including regulations and noise issues; legal disputes; openings, acquisitions and mergers.

Avflight Expands Its Michigan Service Area

With the opening of its latest location at Gerald R. Ford International Airport, Michigan-based Avflight now operates seven FBOs in its home state. 

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

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.

The new Vantage Aviation location is expected to open in late 2026

Colorado Airport To Receive Second FBO

Charles Alcock

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.

News and issues concerning the aviation charter and fractional-ownership industries and markets, including company announcements, regulations, new developments and labor issues.

Several FBO groups are now collaborating with eVTOL aircraft developers

Signature Teams With Eve to Assess eVTOL Ground Support

Peter Shaw-Smith

AviaVIP continues to establish new FBOs across Europe

AviaVIP Expands into the Middle East and North Africa

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

News and developments about aviation fuel, including jet fuel, aviation gasoline, and biofuel.

Equipment will support eVTOL air taxi operations, starting at UAE airports

Jetex and Joby Install Electric Aircraft Chargers at FBOs

New developments at airports including regulations and noise issues; legal disputes; openings, acquisitions and mergers.

More In FBOs

Colorado Airport To Receive Second FBO

The new Vantage Aviation location is expected to open in late 2026

Signature Teams With Eve to Assess eVTOL Ground Support

Several FBO groups are now collaborating with eVTOL aircraft developers

AviaVIP Expands into the Middle East and North Africa

AviaVIP continues to establish new FBOs across Europe

Jetex and Joby Install Electric Aircraft Chargers at FBOs

Equipment will support eVTOL air taxi operations, starting at UAE airports

ExecuJet Opens Private Aviation Terminal at Dubai DWC

Three-floor facility includes a spa, multiple lounges, and a cocktail and cigar bar

FBO Chain Goes to the Dogs

The charity flight transported 22 dogs from overcrowded shelters

Jetex Set To Open Its First Saudi FBO at Red Sea Airport

Move could unlock several Saudi opportunities for business aviation support group

Gama Aviation Making Progress on New Sharjah FBO

Faciilty expected to open in mid-2025

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