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
FBOs
Rochester sells to Million Air
Million Air franchise Regent Aviation in Saint Paul, Minn., bought Rochester Aviation at Minnesota Rochester International Airport and renamed the FBO Rege
FBOs
Three more for Trajen
FBO chain Trajen has purchased three more FBOs, bringing its total to 22 facilities.
Airports
Say goodbye to Mirabel
The passenger facilities at Canada’s Montréal-Mirabel International Airport are candidates for a $C100 million ($87 million) transformation into an “indoor
FBOs
Two new FBOs for Signature
On May 1, Signature Flight Support opened the first purpose-built business aviation center at Robin Hood Airport in Doncaster/Sheffield, UK.
FBOs
Atlas Aviation's second maes an FBO chain
As of May 1, the former Island Aviation FBO at Merritt Island Airport in Florida reopened as the second FBO owned by Atlas Aviation.
FBOs
Business aviation grows in Sioux Falls
South Dakota corporate aviation continues growing, and to meet the needs of the flying community, Business Aviation Services is building a new FBO terminal
FBOs
Charlotte, one year later
Wilson Air Center’s Charlotte/Douglas International Airport FBO in North Carolina recently celebrated one year of operation, under a management contract wi
FBOs
Macquarie buy makes it three big FBO chains
When Macquarie Infrastructure completes its planned $338 million acquisition of the Trajen FBO chain in the third quarter, the aviation industry will have
FBOs
AIN readers weigh in on value of fuel promotions
With crude oil and jet-A prices rising and demand continuing to grow, retail purchasers of fuel might wonder why fuel companies bother with promotional pro
FBOs
Interest in contract fuel rises with jet-A prices
With jet-A prices already soaring and likely to climb during the summer, business jet operators continue to seek ways to save money on fuel.
FBOs
Airport Profile: New Orleans Lakefront
When Addie Fanguy finally managed to catch a ride to New Orleans Lakefront Airport (NEW) with some National Guard friends two days after Hurricane Katrina
FBOs
Landmark reaches 35 FBOs with corporate jets acquisition
Landmark Aviation remains in growth mode, buying the Corporate Jets FBO, maintenance and charter company at Scottsdale Airport in Arizona from FSS Airholdi
Charter & Fractional
Aviation Industry Expo 2006: Charter Operational Control
Judging from the size of the audience–about 200 people–many charter operators sent personnel to the NATA show to attend the first FAA operational control b
Maintenance and Modifications
Aviation Industry Expo 2006: User Fees: What May or May Not Be
If Air Transport Association (ATA) CEO James May has his way, business aviation will start paying more of what he believes is a fair share of the costs of
Regulations and Government
Aviation Industry Expo 2006: Taxation and regulation issues weigh heavily at NATA event
During a year when non-airline aviation is expected to continue growing to record levels, a number of challenges face those whose service businesses propel
RAA Convention 2006: CRJ fires traced to change in terminal insulation material
A subtle change in the material used in an electrical component caused seven fires in Bombardier CRJs, according to an NTSB recommendation released on Marc
Safety
‘Virtual radar’ system raises security concerns
The popular but, some would say, odd pastime of planespotting has recruited new high-tech help, a “virtual radar” hooked to a personal computer that allows
Maintenance and Modifications
Pratt & Whitney enters market for PMA parts
Pratt & Whitney took the aviation world by surprise when it announced in February the launch of a new division to manufacture PMA replacement parts for CFM
DC-9 detained in Mexico with five tons of drugs
According to a report by Air Security International, a DC-9 then registered to a U.S.
Rotorcraft
Lawsuit claims faulty PMA part downed helicopter
A lawyer who filed a lawsuit on behalf of family members killed in a June 15, 2003, helicopter crash began taking depositions from defendant Rolls-Royce in
Online logbook program helps pilots keep current
The paperwork demands of a high-performance single- or twin-engine airplane or helicopter are enormous and can be a continuing headache for owners and oper
Training and Workforce
Level-E training likely for MU-2
In the most recent flare-up of controversy about MU-2 safety and upcoming formal training requirements, a small bit of information about something called “
Accidents
NTSB’s final reports delayed by agency’s limited resources
An aircraft accident happens, on average, three or more times a day in the U.S.
FBOs
TXI sold to Vitesse
Vitesse, an Indianapolis flight services firm, purchased the TXI Aviation FBO, charter and maintenance company at Dallas Love Field.
Airports
San Diegans to vote on Miramar
Early last month the San Diego Regional Airport Authority board voted seven to two to put to a county-wide vote this November whether to obtain land for a
FBOs
Texas Jet expands again
Based at Fort Worth Meacham International Airport, FBO Texas Jet recently added two new 12,000-sq-ft hangars.
FBOs
Jet Aviation Dusseldorf welcomes World Cup
Germany’s newest FBO is Jet Aviation’s facility at Dusseldorf International Airport, completed just in time to welcome visitors to the 2006 World Cup games
FBOs
Sarasota host to Rectrix
Rectrix Aerodrome Centers is building a new FBO facility with hangars at Florida’s Sarasota/Bradenton International Airport.
FBOs
Montego Bay joining jet set
A new FBO terminal is under construction at Montego Bay Sangster International Airport in Jamaica.
