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

At a meeting today at ABACE 2014 in Shanghai, members of key business aviation associations updated attendees on the core Statement of Principles for Business Aviation approved by the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) ministers in September.


International Business Aviation Council director general Kurt Edwards explained the statement’s three principles: business aviation operators should have the freedom to fly within the region; permit requests should be processed in a timely manner; and private operators should be treated as on-demand operations, not as airlines. In signing the guidelines, Edwards noted, “The ministers recognize these principles and agreed to urge their various agencies to treat business aviation in a manner that is appropriate to that operation.”


GAMA senior vice president of international and environmental affairs Ed Smith said the signing in September was the first step. “The hard work lies ahead,” he added. “That is under way with follow-up meetings of working groups of APEC to put meat on the bones of these principles and start implementing them and have some ideas about how to move forward.”


APEC holds meetings twice a year, and the next one is set for August in Hong Kong. NBAA vice president of safety, security, operations and regulation Doug Carr encouraged business aircraft operators, especially those in the Pacific Rim, to participate in this effort by working with their regulators.

News about bills, laws, regulations and other governmental decisions affecting aviation and aerospace. Topics include FAA re-authorizations, taxes on fuel and aviation activities, environmental legislation, ICAO decisions, governmental mediation of labor conflicts and World Trade Organization disputes and decisions.

Groups Work To Ease Bizav Ops in Asia-Pacific

Core principles could boost business aviation prospects in the Asia-Pacific region.

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

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Company facing allegations operates under the name Jett Aircraft

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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.

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News and information about crew, passenger, aircraft and airport security issues.

News and issues relating to international air transport and cargo carriers, national airlines and regional airlines, including aircraft, engines, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security and training.

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