Matt Thurber
Editor-in-Chief
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&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.
Latest from Matt Thurber
Fuel
Sustainable Fuel Powers Flights to Geneva
While demand for sustainable alternative jet fuel is tiny now, publicity about the benefits will help promote its use.
Avionics
Collins Touchscreens Proliferating in Flight Decks
EASA certification has been granted for the Collins Pro Line Fusion upgrade in the Citation CJ3, and is expected soon for the Challenger 604.
Avionics
FlightAware Highlights Flight-tracking in Europe
There are many benefits available to Europe-based flight-tracking customers, according to FlightAware.
Avionics
Europe ADS-B Mandate Coming June 2020
About 1,000 turbine business aircraft meet the upcoming European ADS-B mandate thus far.
Avionics
Avidyne IFD Update Allows Pro Line 21 Interface
Owners of legacy turbine airplanes can add LPV approach capability by tapping Avidyne's new GLAS IFD features.
Cabin Interior and Electronics
Pilatus Adds Gogo L3 as PC-12 NG Option
The PC-12 NG now offers high-speed airborne connectivity via Gogo Business Aviation's Avance L3 system.
Avionics
IS&S Autothrottle Certified in King Air
The ThrustSense Autothrottle system developed by Innovative Solutions & Support is now available for King Air turboprops.
Avionics
Garmin Adds Features to King Air Flight Deck
A new software upgrade and optional hardware add new capabilities to Garmin's G1000 NXi suite in King Airs.
Safety
FAA Issues Venezuela Emergency Order
All flight operations of U.S. aircraft are prohibited in Venezuela airspace, except those above FL260.
Avionics
Universal Avionics to STC Wearable HUD in A320
China's HUD mandate could open a vast market for the Universal Avionics A320 STC for the SkyLens wearable HUD.
Aircraft
Falcon 8X Sets SMO-TEB Speed Record
After taking off from Santa Monica's short 3,500-foot runway, a Falcon 8X broke a speed record flying to Teterboro.
Engines
Rolls-Royce Adds Bombardier Tianjin to Service Network
Rolls-Royce is tapping Bombardier for engine services in Tianjin, China.
Cabin Interior and Electronics
Ameco, Lufthansa Technik Plan East-West Cabin Design
The Ameco and Lufthansa Technik joint undertaking will result in a human-centered new cabin design.
Maintenance and Modifications
Ameco and Bellawings Sign LOI and Tech Services Agreement
The agreement between Ameco and Bellawings covers maintenance services and a new airborne connectivity system.
Airports
Airport Access Continues as Key Asia-Pacific Issue
The panel session at the ABACE show highlighted issues affecting business aircraft travel to Asia-Pacific airports.
Charter & Fractional
ASG IDs Sino Jet as ‘Fastest-growing’ China Operator
Sino Jet plans to grow its business jet fleet even further through 2020.
Cabin Interior and Electronics
UAS and Honeywell Sign Connectivity Deal with Hongkong Jet
LinkEvolution agreement signed with Hongkong Jet.
Finance, Taxes, Insurance
Conklin & de Decker Adds APAC Cost Data
The Asia-Pacific cost data add-on will help Conklin & de Decker subscribers understand operating costs for business aircraft in the region.
Airports
Japan Business Aviation Grows Amid Welcoming Atmosphere
Airports in Japan are being encouraged to open the door to more business aircraft travelers.
Cabin Interior and Electronics
Honeywell Signs Connectivity Agreements with Charter Operators
Honeywell is seeing growing interest in its connectivity services in the Asia-Pacific region.
Charter & Fractional
China Operator Adds Midsize Jets
Emper General Aviation's new Citation Latitudes are based in Shenzhen and Shanghai.
Aircraft
Pilot Report: Bombardier Global 7500
The airplane more than delivers on speed and range promises, while offering a comfortable environment for pilots and crew.
Aircraft
Cessna-Avic Joint Venture Receives XLS+ Order
China's flight inspection agency has ordered eight Citation XLS+ business jets from Cessna-Avic Aircraft (Zhuhai) Co.
Cabin Interior and Electronics
StandardAero Gains First Embraer SmartSky STC
The certification process for SmartSky air-to-ground connectivity is accelerating as the network nears service entry.
Regulations and Government
Bermuda Registry Adds APAC Expert
Jason Zhang is the Bermuda Aircraft Registry's new operations manager based in Shanghai.
Safety
APG Adds Flight Planning with iPreFlight Genesis
APG is growing its services with the addition of flight planning to its performance app.
Cabin Interior and Electronics
Honeywell Highlights Connectivity for APAC Customers
Honeywell's high-speed airborne connectivity system is considered an essential tool for business aviation operators.
Cabin Interior and Electronics
Satcom Direct Improves Customer Experience
Satcom Direct is helping customers realize their expectations for satellite communications.
Training and Workforce
Inoculating Pilots Against Loss-of-control
Ed Wischmeyer's Expanded Envelope Exercises are designed to help pilots gain new skills and more confidence in their flying abilities.
Maintenance and Modifications
AINsight: Simple Solution to Aircraft Mechanic Shortage
There is an easy way to help remove obstacles that prevent more A&P mechanics from working in the aviation industry.
