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

Garmin has introduced its first portable satellite communicator with voice messaging and photo sharing capability, the InReach Messenger Plus, which uses Iridium’s Certus service on the satellite company’s Next constellation.&nbsp;
Messenger Plus offers similar features as earlier InReach Mini devices, such as two-way texting, location sharing, and SOS capabilities. The latter includes the ability to send interactive text and voice messages and photos to Garmin Response for 24/7 emergency assistance. Voice messages can be up to 30 seconds, or text messages can be sent with up to 1,600 characters on Messenger Plus.&nbsp;
When paired with the Garmin Messenger app on a smartphone or tablet, Messenger Plus will connect to satellites automatically when the smart device is out of cell service range or not connected to the internet via Wi-Fi. When activating an SOS, the user can share text, photo, and voice messages with response coordinators.
Live tracking is available and GPS coordinates can be embedded into a text, photo, or voice message. Weather reports can be delivered to Messenger Plus or to the Garmin Messenger app. The app isn’t required, and Messenger Plus can be used to check in with contacts, send location updates, start or stop tracking, and send an SOS message, according to Garmin.
Battery life is up to 600 hours for sending a text message or location every 10 minutes (in low-power messaging mode). Messenger Plus can also be used to charge a smartphone “for enough charge to send custom text messages from the Messenger app,” the company said.
Retail price for the InReach Messenger Plus is $499.99, and it requires an active satellite subscription, which starts at $14.99 per month.
"[Garmin] InReach satellite communicators have proven time and time again to be an important tool for pilots to keep in their flight bag," said&nbsp;Jim Alpiser, Garmin's director of aviation aftermarket sales. "With the new InReach Messenger Plus, pilots can now exchange voice and photo messages outside of cell service, in addition to global two-way texting, location sharing, and SOS capabilities. Whether your mission takes you into the backcountry, overseas, or simply across the state, InReach will provide peace of mind and allow loved ones to stay in the know on your location and ensure you’ve arrived at your destination safely."
Garmin Response has handled more than 14,500 InReach SOS activations, which resulted in many lives being saved.

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.

Garmin InReach Messenger Plus Taps Iridium Certus Network

Battery life is up to 600 hours in low-power mode

The new InReach Messenger Plus uses Iridium’s Certus service on the satellite company’s Next constellation. 

Garmin Messenger Plus Taps Iridium Certus Network

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

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News and issues concerning general aviation, specifically airplanes and helicopters powered by piston and alternative engines (i.e., non-turbine powered aircraft). Subjects include aircraft, engines, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security and training.

Refurbishment was completed at Nebraska facility

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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 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.

Extensive interior work was conducted at the company's facility in Basel, Switzerland

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New developments and products in avionics, specifically about aircraft electronics in the cockpit.

In this article

Garmin

Iridium

More In Cabin Interior and Electronics

Duncan Aviation Gives G200 Gold Treatment

Refurbishment was completed at Nebraska facility

Jet Aviation Completes Pair of BBJs in Just 10 Months

Extensive interior work was conducted at the company's facility in Basel, Switzerland

Beta Unveils Design for Five-passenger Electric Aircraft

Passenger-carrying versions are expected to enter service in 2026

Gogo To Acquire Satcom Direct in Surprise Deal

SD will receive $375 million cash, five million shares

Gogo Adds Global Aviation Tech to Dealer Network

MRO provider will install Avance and Galileo connectivity equipment

Duncan Boasts 'Silky' Overhaul of Falcon 2000EX

Refurbishment features 'streamlined' look

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The unit is a direct replacement for the Radiant CBS28-1

Gogo Releases Galileo Pricing, Begins Flight Testing

Galileo service on the Eutelsat OneWeb satellite constellation is set to begin later this year

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