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

Gogo Business Aviation is a provider of in-flight broadband Internet service and other connectivity services for business aircraft.

Although the U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware found that Gogo willfully infringed SmartSky patents, SmartSky “offered no evidence to allow a jury to award damages,” the court wrote in its September 30 order, which SmartSky may appeal.
“There was also enough trial evidence for a jury to reasonably conclude that SmartSky’s patents are valid. However, there was not enough trial evidence to support SmartSky’s damages case,” the court concluded.
Gogo lost the patent lawsuit filed by SmartSky after a jury verdict in November 2025. The <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/business-aviation/2025-11-24/gogo-loses-smartsky-lawsuit-planning-appeal">2022 lawsuit</a> accused Gogo of infringing on patents surrounding beamforming handoff, unlicensed band beamforming handoff, horizon-oriented architecture, and harmonious spectrum reuse.
“We are pleased that the court has overturned the jury’s $22.7 million damages award in its entirety,” Gogo said, “concluding that SmartSky failed to prove any recoverable damages and denying its requests for enhanced damages, ongoing royalties, and interest. In reaching that decision, the court found that SmartSky’s damages award was untethered to the evidentiary record, relying on assumptions that could not be reconciled with the facts of the case.
“This ruling represents a significant step in resolving this matter, and we look forward to bringing it to a full and final close so that we can return our sole focus to delivering multi-orbit, multi-band connectivity technology purpose-built for business and military/government mobility aviation customers.”

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.

Delaware District Court Overturns SmartSky Damages Award against Gogo

Patent complaint was filed in 2022

“Gogo offered no evidence to allow a jury to award damages,” the court wrote in its September 30 order, which SmartSky may appeal.

Delaware Court Overturns SmartSky Damages Award

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

Curt Epstein

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.

Operators should expect increased scrutiny and sanctions for permit violations

Mexico Ends Single-entry Charter Landing Permits

Hanneke Weitering

Essential news and analysis on the defense aerospace business. Your trusted source for new and ongoing programs and requirements in military aircraft (manned and unmanned), engines, avionics, weapons and associated systems, including ground-based air defense.

Phase IV adds $5 million, bringing the contract’s total to $19.25 million

U.S. Marines Extend Regent’s Electric Seaglider Deal

Amy Wilder

New developments and products in avionics, specifically about aircraft electronics in the cockpit.

Company sold controlled technology to Russian buyers without required export licenses

KanRus Owner Sentenced for Avionics Export Violations

News and information on safety procedures and concerns.

Associations say it makes no sense to punish compliant pilots

Groups Asks FAA To Pause Single-pilot Exemption Decision

Rule as proposed addresses only Part 121 carriers

Coalition Urges FAA To Widen Duty and Rest Rule

Free guide covers 12 LOAs and typical turnaround

Updated Nimbl Guide Pinpoints Relevant Part 91 LOAs

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

The company has 30 days to respond to the charges

FAA Alleges Illegal Ops by Aircraft Management Provider

Kerry Lynch

News and issues relating to international air transport and cargo carriers, national airlines and regional airlines, including aircraft, engines, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security and training.

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Gogo

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