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

Ontic, which specializes in manufacturing parts and components for legacy civil and military aircraft, has purchased SIRS Navigation, a UK-based manufacturer of aircraft compasses.
SIRS is based in Kent and has been designing and manufacturing standby magnetic compasses for more than 60 years. With tens of thousands of compasses in service, the company’s products are installed on nearly “every major commercial and business aviation platform, spanning fixed-wing and rotorcraft,” according to SIRS Navigation.
“SIRS Navigation has built an outstanding reputation over more than half a century—a market-leading position, a loyal customer base, and a brand that is trusted across the industry,” said Ontic CEO JC Gallagher. “This acquisition is about providing continuity and long-term commitment to its customers, while giving the business a home where it can continue to thrive.”
SIRS Navigation supplies compasses to aircraft OEMs and the aftermarket, and supports its products with a 24/7 worldwide network. Custom designs are also available.
“Being part of a global aerospace business, with deep OEM and MRO expertise, provides the scale, investment, and long-term stability needed to continue to meet the high levels of quality, service, and reliability our customers expect,” said SIRS Navigation commercial director Maisie Bylett. “This new chapter will build on our core values, whilst providing increased scale to support our customers.”

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