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

Newly introduced FBO <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/business-aviation/2024-10-21/vantage-aviation-buys-richmond-fbo-part-new-network">Vantage Aviation</a> has been approved by Colorado’s Garfield County Board of Commissioners to establish an FBO at Rifle Garfield County Airport (KRIL).
Construction is expected to begin in mid-2025. The facility will offer premium services and amenities from a 6,500-sq-ft terminal adjoining a 40,000-sq-ft community hangar capable of sheltering the latest ultra-long-range business jets. A second facility will include an additional terminal for a based customer, attached to a 25,000-sq-ft hangar.
When its facility is completed in late 2026, it will provide operators with an option of service providers—a rarity among Colorado’s ski country airports.
“This transformative project marks an exciting chapter for [KRIL],” said Vantage CEO Ryan Maxfield. “The Garfield County Board of County Commissioners has been instrumental in bringing this vision to life. By expanding apron capacity, doubling fuel storage, and adding heated hangars and a new de-icing pad, we’re equipping KRIL to handle today’s demands and tomorrow’s growth.”
The $33 million project—backed by Jadian Capital—represents the largest private investment in the airport’s history.
“Securing approval for the development plan marks a pivotal moment for Rifle Airport,” said Barry Sherman, COO of consultancy Business Aviation Group, which helped broker the deal. “This project will not only elevate the airport’s operational capabilities but also position RIL as a premier aviation destination, boosting both the local economy and the aviation community.”

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

Colorado's Rifle Garfield County Airport Will Receive a Second FBO

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

Vantage Aviation has been approved by Colorado’s Garfield County Board of Commissioners to establish a new FBO at Rifle Garfield County Airport.

Colorado Airport To Receive Second FBO

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

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.

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.

Several FBO groups are now collaborating with eVTOL aircraft developers

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Peter Shaw-Smith

AviaVIP continues to establish new FBOs across Europe

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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.

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