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

Abu Dhabi-based RoyalJet is diversifying its charter fleet with a firm order for three Airbus ACJ320neo VVIP jets plus options for six additional aircraft.&nbsp;The deal is worth anywhere from $330 million to nearly $1 billion, depending on how many options RoyalJet exercises.&nbsp;
The company has long operated Boeing aircraft but the ACJ order is the culmination of 10 years of negotiation with Airbus Corporate Jets, according to RoyalJet CEO Shafiul&nbsp;Syed.
Delivery of the three ACJs is planned in 2026, and outfitting should take 10 to 14 months, Chadi Saade, president of Airbus Corporate Jets said on Wednesday at MEBAA 2024.&nbsp;RoyalJet is seeking bids for both the design and completion of the three jets.&nbsp;“We will go to a tender process,” Syed added.
The choice of the ACJ320neo was due to the aircraft’s capability, Airbus’ reputation, and “many, many other factors,” he said, including having a more diverse fleet. “It’s good to play in both fields. We've built a strong foundation in the Middle East. We have a global recognition, but we want to extend our footprint geographically so you can expect to hear a lot more over the next months and years ahead.”
“With this first significant&nbsp;agreement for the ACJ320neo,” Saade said, “RoyalJet will become the latest Airbus Corporate Jets family customer. The ACJ320neo, with its unmatched cabin space, superior comfort, and cutting-edge technology, will enable RoyalJet to provide exceptional travel experiences for its customers, at the lowest fuel burn of any aircraft in its class.
“It is the perfect choice for connecting business leaders where it matters, when it matters—fostering trade, collaboration, and innovation across global business communities. We will support RoyalJet’s introduction of this new aircraft type into its fleet and look forward to supporting its continued success.”

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.

RoyalJet Expanding Fleet with ACJ320neo Purchase and Options

UAE-based charter operator has previously had an all-Boeing fleet

The ACJ320neo deal is worth from $330 million to nearly $1 billion, depending on how many options RoyalJet exercises. 

RoyalJet Expanding Fleet with ACJ320neo Purchase

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

Charles Alcock

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.

April 2025 trade show in Germany will feature an enlarged area for the business aviation sector

Aero Friedrichshafen Show Teams with AIN for Bizav Boost

BAAFEx will alternate with the biennial Singapore Airshow

New Singapore Bizav Show Tapping Growing Marketplace

Kerry Lynch

Business jet asking prices were down by 6.16% YOY in November

Prices Ebb in Preowned Bizjet Market as Inventory Grows

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

Two more air shows on the schedule, plus a new awards ceremony for FBOs

AIN Announces New Events and Content for Busy 2025

Long range and a large cabin are Middle East prerequisites

Dassault's Falcons Fly in Middle East Market

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.

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

MEBAA 2024

In this article

Airbus ACJ Series

Airbus

Boeing

More In Aircraft

Aero Friedrichshafen Show Teams with AIN for Bizav Boost

April 2025 trade show in Germany will feature an enlarged area for the business aviation sector

New Singapore Bizav Show Tapping Growing Marketplace

BAAFEx will alternate with the biennial Singapore Airshow

Prices Ebb in Preowned Bizjet Market as Inventory Grows

Business jet asking prices were down by 6.16% YOY in November

AIN Announces New Events and Content for Busy 2025

Two more air shows on the schedule, plus a new awards ceremony for FBOs

Dassault's Falcons Fly in Middle East Market

Long range and a large cabin are Middle East prerequisites

Airbus Corporate Jets Poised for Record Year

Around 60 ACJ aircraft are based in the Middle East

Trio of Boeing Business Jets Takes Bow at MEBAA Show

VIP-configured BBJ1 and BBJ2 aircraft on display in Dubai

Louis Seno To Take Helm as Executive Director of IADA

Wayne Starling has led the organization since October 2018

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