Matt Thurber
Editor-in-Chief

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&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.

Latest from Matt Thurber

Safety

Critics Say NDAA Could Undermine D.C. Airspace Safety

Legislation would allow waivers for transponder use, and it doesn’t require ADS-B
Reagan National Airport helicopter zone and route modifications
Cabin Interior and Electronics

NetJets Installing Starlink on Midsize/Large Bizjet Fleet

Systems will be installed by the end of 2026
NetJets installing Starlink
Rotorcraft

Robinson, Lake Fusion Team on Obstacle Detection System

Lidar-based system can improve safety in visibility-challenged environments
Robinson R66 helicopter
Charter & Fractional

Baker Aviation Buys 20 Challenger 300s from Flexjet

Wholesale charter provider is adding the super-midsize jets to its fleet of Citation Xs
Challenger 300 business jet
Rotorcraft

Robinson, Safran Team on R88 Engine Support

Program covers 5 years, 2,000 hours, and AOG and troubleshooting assistance
Cédric Goubet, Safran Helicopter Engines CEO, and David Smith, president and CEO Robinson Helicopter
Maintenance and Modifications

Ontic Opens MRO Center of Excellence in Florida

Consolidates company’s maintenance, repair, and overhaul activities in the U.S.
Ontic opening
Maintenance and Modifications

AINsight: Reducing the Mx Burden Could Help Aviation

The more work required on an aircraft, the more mechanics are needed
Dassault Falcon technicians
Aircraft

Wings Leasing Offers New Diamonds to Flight Schools

Program helps training companies add the latest technology to their fleets
Diamond DA42-VI airplane
Operations

ForeFlight Debuts Logbook for European Pilots

New feature is available as a Europe region option
ForeFlight Europe logbook
Aircraft

Cirrus Next Lets Owners Trade in and Upgrade

Program simplifies move to a new airplane and ensures continuous flying during the process
Cirrus Vision Jet and SR
Training and Workforce

Leonardo and Reiser Developing AW139 Level-3 FTD

Training system replicates the helicopter’s cockpit, controls, and avionics
Reiser and Leonardo
Aircraft

New and Upgraded Aircraft Aim To Serve Bizav's Future

OEMs have taken bold steps to reinvigorate the business aviation manufacturing scene
Gulfstream G800
Cabin Interior and Electronics

Duncan Aviation Offering Airtext Satcom Installs

System offers lower-cost airborne connectivity services
Airtext moving map
Maintenance and Modifications

Seattle Aviation Solutions Parting Out Learjet 45, 60

Removed components will help support operators of these classic airplanes
Cabin Interior and Electronics

Gogo Loses SmartSky Lawsuit, Plans To Appeal $23M Award

Complaint was filed in 2022 and is related to Gogo's 5G network
SmartSky
Avionics

Garmin Adds Graphical Notams Overlay on SmartCharts

Features depicts closed runways, taxiways, and ramps with color-coding
Garmin SmartCharts graphical notams
Rotorcraft

Rotortrade Delivers H135T3 from Italy to Star Air India

VIP-equipped helicopter will be flown in corporate and charter operations
Aurélien Blanc and Simran Singh
Cabin Interior and Electronics

Gogo SD Government Signs Eclipse as Authorized Reseller

Deal expands market for satcom equipment and services in France and Middle East
Gogo LEO satcom
Training and Workforce

Loft Dynamics and Trifork Partner on Pilot Training

Procedural training platform works on Apple Vision Pro virtual reality headset
LoftHome
Aircraft

Embraer Urges Carriers to Tap Middle East Regional Growth

Smaller regional aircraft can help meet demand while keeping costs in check
Embraer E195
Training and Workforce

Collins Transforms Its Market Approach

Account executives will be single points of contact for customers
Collins Business Class Seating
Maintenance and Modifications

Lufthansa Technik Extends and Adds Support Agreements

MRO provider extends support for components and aircraft systems
Etihad A380
Maintenance and Modifications

Qatar Airways Selects Collins Ascentia for 787s

Use of sensor data helps airline reduce unscheduled maintenance events and downtime
Collins Ascent
Aircraft

Boeing Highlights Year of Restoring Customer Trust

“Boeing has been making quite a few changes,” commercial CEO says
Boeing 777X
Engines

Pratt & Whitney Advances GTF Engine Improvements

Ramp-up of geared engines is twice the size of any other P&W program
Please &W GTF engine
Aircraft

Record-setting G800 Anchors Gulfstream Dubai Display

The jet arrived from Phuket, Thailand, after a 5-hour 38-minute flight
Gulfstream G800 at Dubai Airshow 2025
Cabin Interior and Electronics

Elie Saab Designing Cabin for Bombardier Global 8000

Luxury features will be unveiled in an interior design next year
Rotorcraft

Bell 505 and 412EPX Highlight OEM’s Vertical Advantages

Textron division offers helicopters for various civil and defense applications
Bell 505 at Dubai Airshow 2025
Charter & Fractional

Valo Selects MedAire360 for Medical, Security Support

Charter operator has access to pre-and in-flight security and medical assistance
Valo Aviation
Maintenance and Modifications

Airlink Signs for E195-E2 Component Pool Support

Airline is adding 10 more of the E2 aircraft to its Africa-based fleet
Airlink E195-E2