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

CFS Aero, a charter/management provider with an FBO at South Africa’s Lanseria International Airport (FALA), is relocating its primary base of operations to the Fireblade Aviation facility at Johannesburg OR Tambo International Airport. Both the corporate offices and managed aircraft fleet are moving to OR Tambo (FAOR).
<a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/general-aviation/2025-07-17/cfs-aviation-group-announces-new-ownership">CFS Aero</a> operates a fleet that includes four Bombardier Learjets; a Pilatus PC-24 and six PC-12s; a Nextant 400XT; a Cessna Citation M2; and two Beechcraft King Airs. In addition to providing aircraft charter management services, it also offers maintenance support and aircraft sales and acquisitions.
“The establishment of OR Tambo International Airport as our primary base of operation represents an important milestone in the evolution of CFS Aero,” said managing director Kerry Searle. “The move provides access to world-class aviation infrastructure and the premium facilities of Fireblade Aviation, including onsite customs and immigration services, private passenger lounges, executive meeting rooms, and extensive hangar capacity that will support the continued growth of our managed aircraft fleet.”
He added, “These enhanced capabilities allow us to deliver an even more seamless and integrated experience for both our clients and flight operations. Importantly, this is not a departure from Lanseria. We will continue to operate from Lanseria International Airport, giving our clients the flexibility of accessing our services from both airports while benefiting from the enhanced capabilities that OR Tambo offers.”

News and issues concerning the aviation charter and fractional-ownership industries and markets, including company announcements, regulations, new developments and labor issues.

CFS Aero Moves to Fireblade Aviation FBO at South Africa’s OR Tambo Airport

Will retain FBO and other services at Lanseria International Airport

Both CFS Aero’s corporate offices and managed aircraft fleet are moving to the Fireblade Aviation facilities at OR Tambo International Airport.

CFS Aero Moves to Fireblade Aviation FBO at OR Tambo

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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.

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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.

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