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

Honda Aircraft has just delivered its 250th HondaJet since deliveries began in 2015, and it celebrated the milestone with employees at an event earlier this week at its Greensboro, North Carolina headquarters.
Since its introduction, the HondaJet has undergone a series of updates, boosting the original range of about 1,200 nm to the latest Elite II’s 1,547 nm. Maximum cruise speed is 422 knots and maximum altitude FL430, and it can accommodate up to eight occupants. The HondaJet is powered by two GE Honda Aero HF120 turbofans. Avionics are a Garmin G3000 suite.
The HondaJet’s unique over-the-wing engine mount (OTWEM) configuration was originated by the aircraft’s principal designer, former Honda Aircraft president and CEO Michimasa Fujino. Removing the engine mount structure from the aft fuselage allows for an enclosed lavatory in the rear, and it reduces cabin noise. The placement of the engines also delays drag rise, enabling more efficient high-speed cruise. From the beginning of the program, Fujino said that the OTWEM design would be adaptable to larger aircraft. Prior to retiring in 2022, he introduced Honda Aircraft’s next project, the light jet Echelon, with a range of 2,625 nm, max cruise of 450 knots, and seating for up to 11 occupants.
“The 250th delivery milestone is not just a number, but a narrative of our constant pursuit of excellence and innovation,” said Honda Aircraft president and CEO Hideto Yamasaki. “We are grateful for the global recognition and trust that customers place in the HondaJet. We remain dedicated to advancing the aviation industry, continuously pushing the boundaries of skyward mobility to enhance joy and freedom for customers.”
The HondaJet fleet has logged more than 210,000 flight hours with dispatch reliability of 99.7 percent.

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