A lifelong aviation enthusiast who joined&nbsp;AIN&nbsp;in 2007, Curt came to&nbsp;the publication&nbsp;from the broadcast industry where he was a national science and technology television reporter and producer. He writes on the FBO field, aviation finance, and sustainable aviation and occasionally contributes to&nbsp;AIN&nbsp;sister publication&nbsp;Business Jet Traveler. Curt was a member of the AINtv reporting staff that won the 2008 Aerospace Journalist of the Year award for Best Airshow Daily. That same year, he was a finalist for another AJOYA award. He earned an AJOYA for Best Business Aviation Submission in 2018 and was a finalist in that category in 2021. He received the National Air Transportation Association’s&nbsp; Aviation Journalist Award in 2012 and won a Pegasus Sapphire Business Aviation Award for outstanding journalism in 2021.
Before joining AIN, Curt worked with&nbsp;Consumer Reports’ television division, CRTV, and for several local television news staffs. An honors graduate of the State University of New York at Stony Brook, he earned a master’s degree in broadcast journalism from Boston University in 1995. Curt lives in New York State with his wife and two young sons.

Business Aviation Services Editor

Curt Epstein

Three of Universal Aviation’s FBOs in Italy have achieved Stage II registration under IBAC’s International Standard for Business Aircraft Handling (IS-BAH).&nbsp;They include three of the country’s most important business aviation gateways: Rome Ciampino Airport (LIRA), Milan Linate Airport (LIML), and Milan Malpensa Airport (LIMC).
<a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/2014-05-22/ibac-unveils-best-practices-fbos-ground-handlers">Launched</a> in 2014, IS-BAH is a voluntary, three-tiered, audit-based program built on the adoption of safety management systems and industry best practices. The first locations were accepted into Stage I a year later. IS-BAH Stage II validates that a location’s safety management system has matured beyond initial implementation and is being applied consistently in daily operations.
The timing of Universal Italy’s achievement comes as the country and the broader Mediterranean region are in the middle of the busy summer peak season, when aircraft parking, airport coordination, slots, ground transportation, catering, and last-minute schedule changes can provide added pressure on operators, crews, and handlers.
“Achieving IS-BAH Stage II at Rome and both Milan locations is a proud moment for our entire Italy team, especially as we are right in the heart of one of our busiest operating periods,” said Lorena Carraro, managing director, Universal Aviation Italy. “This accreditation reflects the discipline, preparation, and teamwork our people bring to the ramp every day.”

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

Universal Aviation Italy Scores IS-BAH 2 Trifecta

Locations include Rome and both of Milan’s airports

Universal Aviation Italy’s FBOs in Rome and Milan are the latest to receive IS-BAH Stage 2 registration.

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

Charles Alcock

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

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.

FBO groups launches partnership with university-owned airport 

Weston Aviation Adds FBO at UK’s Cranfield Airport

Facility adds capacity to a tight aviation shelter market

New Hangar Complex Opens at Vero Beach Regional Airport

Owned by law enforcement officers, its guests are on their best behavior

FBO Profile: Nebraska's Blue Line Aviation Gets New Life

Facility is its second new FBO in the state this month

Avflight Opens FBO at Michigan’s Cherry Capital Airport

The Fort Lauderdale facility is acting as a staging ground for critical supplies

Florida FBO Initiates Venezuela Disaster Relief Mission

The $18 million complex includes a fully renovated terminal and a new hangar

Modern Aviation Debuts New Eastern Long Island FBO

Part of a major development at KBJC, it is expected to open in 2028

Jet Aviation Expanding to Denver Area with New FBO

News and developments about aviation fuel, including jet fuel, aviation gasoline, and biofuel.

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