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

Omani and Jeanie Carson are donating their Citation and crew to fly the inaugural departure day Dove 1 mission for the 2026 <a href="https://airlift.txtav.com">Special Olympics Airlift</a>. The Dove 1 flight is the first time that Airlift organizers Textron Aviation have marked this trip as the honorary departure day flight.
Departure flights leave June 27 from Minneapolis St. Paul Downtown Airport (KSTP) with donated Cessna Citation, Beechcraft, and Hawker airplanes taking off every few minutes to bring athletes home. More than 100 volunteer owners and operators are donating airplanes, crew, fuel, and time for this year’s Airlift. Some 10,000 athletes and coaches have been transported on such donated airplanes since 1987.
“We are honored to help bring these remarkable&nbsp;athletes&nbsp;home,” said Carson Group founder and&nbsp;chairman Omani Carson. “Witnessing their determination and joy throughout the Games inspires us all. Being part of their journey home is a privilege, and we hope our involvement encourages others to join this incredible mission in the future and make a lasting impact.”
“Watching these athletes board their flights home, you see the pride in their eyes and the joy in their smiles,” said Textron Aviation president and CEO Ron Draper. “Omani and Jeanie’s commitment ensures that every athlete’s journey concludes with celebration and a sense of accomplishment. Their leadership inspires all of us to lift others up and make a difference.”

Dove 1 Flight Named for 2026 Special Olympics Airlift Departures

Owners of Cessna, Beechcraft, and Hawker airplanes donating flights

More than 100 volunteer owners and operators are donating airplanes, crew, fuel, and time for this year’s Special Olympics Airlift. 

Dove 1 Flight Named for 2026 Special Olympics Airlift

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

Charlotte Bailey

New developments at airports including regulations and noise issues; legal disputes; openings, acquisitions and mergers.

Combined experience to inform upcoming eVTOL aircraft infrastructure 

Korean Air and Skyports Jointly Develop Vertiport Concept

Amy Wilder

News about simulators and training procedures, as well as workforce.

News and issues relating to the aerospace industry that are related to the science, engineering and business of flight in space involving civil, industrial and military applications, and similar topics related to flight in the atmosphere of the Earth that are not covered more directly by other AINonline subject channels. In other words, both astronautical and aeronautical subjects, except for those aeronautical topics that are specifically covered elsewhere on this website.

JobsOhio $2M grant supports aerospace research and development in Piqua

Hartzell Unveils Innovation Center at Its Ohio HQ

Jessica Reed

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.

News and information on safety procedures and concerns.

News and issues relating to business, corporate and private aviation, primarily regarding turbine-engine-powered airplanes and helicopters. Subjects include aircraft, engines, maintenance, operations, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security, and training.

Dave Hubner will lead aviation services expansion 

Baron Weather Appoints Hubner to Aviation Role

AeroAngel fills medical flight access gap

Private Jets Offer Lifeline to Kids through AeroAngel

Issues regarding financing of aircraft; aviation insurance; tax issues for aircraft operators; new companies and people in the aviation financing and insurance industries.

If you purchase your own airplane, you'll have to decide who will take care of it.

Flying Privately: Aircraft Management for Private Jet Owners

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.

Hazard areas have grown as launch frequency rises

Private-company Space Launches Pose U.S. Airspace Challenges

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

Technical malfunction is the suspected cause of January 4’s air traffic control systems failure 

Sabotage Ruled Out in Greek ATC Outage Investigation

Hanneke Weitering

News about environmental issues relating to aircraft operations, including noise issues, emissisions, and regulations. See Fuel for biofuel.

In this article

Textron Aviation

More In Operations