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

Alpine Helicopters is upgrading its helicopter fleet with Skytrac Systems’ ISAT-200A Iridium satcom system with push-to-talk capability. The 39-helicopter fleet includes 15 Bell 212s, 14 Bell 407s, seven Bell 206Ls, one Bell 412, and two Airbus AS350s used for forestry, mining, heli-skiing, and firefighting missions.
The Skytrac system enables communication via the Iridium satellite network as well as flight following and transmission of flight data. Push-to-talk functionality helps flight and ground crew communicate where VHF radio coverage is unavailable. Alpine Helicopters tested this capability in British Columbia and Alberta, Canada, and is exploring expanding its use for forestry and firefighting operations.
“As an operator always looking to improve safety and efficiency, we’re excited to roll out the ISAT-200A across our fleet,” said director of operations Scott Hayward. “We wanted a scalable, reliable solution backed by local expertise, and Skytrac’s support throughout installation and troubleshooting has been invaluable.”

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.

Alpine Helicopters Picks Skytrac Solution for Fleet Upgrade Program

Iridium satcom will help pilots and ground crews remain connected

The ISAT-200A’s push-to-talk functionality helps flight and ground crew communicate where VHF radio coverage is not available.

Alpine Helicopters Picks Skytrac Solution for Upgrade Program

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 airborne connectivity via cellphone networks

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Device enables secure communications for EMS helicopter crews

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Amy Wilder

Seven-month development timeline targets August 2026 certification

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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.

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

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

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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.

Verticon 2026

In this article

Skytrac Systems

More In Cabin Interior and Electronics

Wireless Communications Slated for More Airbus Models

Device enables airborne connectivity via cellphone networks

AeroSync Mission Available for Leonardo AW119

Device enables secure communications for EMS helicopter crews

Omni Developing Galileo FDX STC for Challenger Bizjets

Seven-month development timeline targets August 2026 certification

EASA Approves Gogo Ku-band Terminal for Challenger 850

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

Nomad Technics Becomes Gogo Authorized Dealer

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

Starlink Mini Flyers Facing Large Price Increase

New speed limit for low-cost plans is 87 knots

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Electric air taxi passengers will have access to Starlink internet

Embraer Praetor Upgrades Enhance the Pax Experience

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

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