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

Certain rotorcraft equipped with the Airbus Helicopters Helionix avionics suite can be upgraded with Astronautics Corporation of America’s AeroSync Max V2.1 wireless airborne communications system (wACS).
Astronautics and Airbus are collaborating on the upgrade, which is available for EASA-certified H145 and H145M helicopters. Plans call for wACS to be approved for the H160 by the end of this year and the H225 in 2027.
The V2.1 upgrade adds 4G in-flight connectivity for passengers and Ethernet/Wi-Fi gateway capability to support camera streaming to tablet devices for medical and mission-cabin device management and secure patient-data transmission. It also enables continuous cybersecurity updates and uploads of current Helionix databases.
“The AeroSync Max 2.1 upgrade builds on our proven architecture to deliver expanded data capabilities, in-flight connectivity functionality, and ongoing cybersecurity support, helping ensure these platforms are prepared for the next generation of connected operations,” said Matthew Frei, director of connected aircraft solutions at Astronautics.

News and developments about everything that goes into the cabin of an aircraft, from floor coverings to headliners, with a special emphasis on in-flight entertainment, communications and other electronics for passengers. If it is in the cabin of an aircraft, it’s covered here.

Wireless Communications System Slated for More Airbus Models

Device enables airborne connectivity via cellphone networks

Astronautics and Airbus are collaborating on the wACS V2.1 upgrade, which is available for EASA-certified H145 and H145M helicopters.

Wireless Communications Slated for More Airbus Models

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

News and issues regarding all manner of civil and military rotorcraft and their powerplants, including helicopters, tilt rotors and unmanned air vehicles.

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.

Device enables secure communications for EMS helicopter crews

AeroSync Mission Available for Leonardo AW119

Amy Wilder

Seven-month development timeline targets August 2026 certification

Omni Developing Galileo FDX STC for Challenger Bizjets

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.

Approval followed installations on two Challenger 850s at European operator AirX

EASA Approves Gogo Ku-band Terminal for Challenger 850

Charlotte Bailey

Switzerland-based MRO facility to augment existing approvals with new type certificates 

Nomad Technics Becomes Gogo Authorized Dealer

News and issues concerning general aviation, specifically airplanes and helicopters powered by piston and alternative engines (i.e., non-turbine powered aircraft). Subjects include aircraft, engines, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security and training.

New speed limit for low-cost plans is 87 knots

Starlink Mini Flyers Facing Large Price Increase

Hanneke Weitering

Electric air taxi passengers will have access to Starlink internet 

Archer Plans Starlink Connectivity for Midnight eVTOL Aircraft

Chad Trautvetter

OEM redefines cabin comfort and utility with new Praetor 500E and 600E

Embraer Praetor Upgrades Enhance the Pax Experience

Charles Alcock

News and issues about aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), covering all segments of the aviation industry; and modifications for aircraft and engines. Subjects include product support of aircraft, engines and avionics, MRO company mergers, acquisitions, announcements and personnel, Airworthiness Directives, Supplemental Type Certificate approvals and other topics.

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