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

Collins Aerospace is a prominent aerospace and defense company specializing in the development and manufacture of advanced technology solutions. They offer a wide range of products and services, including avionics, aircraft interiors, mission systems, and space systems. 

Collins Aerospace is adding 14,000 sq ft to its West Des Moines, Iowa manufacturing plant to meet growing demand for new components and MRO services. Construction will begin later this month and is planned to be completed in mid-2027.
The company completed a $14 million, 9,000-sq-ft expansion at the site in 2023, adding metal 3D printers to increase its additive manufacturing capacity for fuel nozzles.
With about 300 full-time employees, the West Des Moines facility will add more jobs this year and into 2027 “to support long-term program growth,” it said. The facility ships more than 25,000 fuel nozzles per month, and its FAA Part 145 repair station provides fuel nozzle and engine accessory MRO services.
“The investment at our West Des Moines site demonstrates our commitment to advancing commercial and military aviation through our innovative fuel‑distribution technology,” said James Bagg, the v-p and general manager of Engine Control Systems at Collins Aerospace. “This expansion helps us enhance delivery performance, improve manufacturing capabilities, and add jobs to meet growing customer demand.”

News and issues about aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), covering all segments of the aviation industry; and modifications for aircraft and engines. Subjects include product support of aircraft, engines and avionics, MRO company mergers, acquisitions, announcements and personnel, Airworthiness Directives, Supplemental Type Certificate approvals and other topics.

Collins Expanding Des Moines Manufacturing and MRO Facility

Growth will add jobs and additional 3D printing and maintenance capacity

With about 300 full-time employees, Collins' West Des Moines facility will add more jobs this year and into 2027 to support long-term program growth.

Collins Expanding Des Moines Manufacturing Facility

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.

TB30 or TB40 weighs up to 19.4 kg less than the original nicad system

EASA Approves Lithium-ion Main-ship Battery for EC135

MEMS-based system delivers actionable data to support proactive maintenance

GPMS Signs Wisk Air for Bell 412 and 407 GXi HUMS

Resolves a situation that could have eliminated a key source of parts

Eclipse Buying Parts-maker Resurgent Aviation Solutions

Kerry Lynch

NLG helps operators in AOG situations

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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.

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.

Part of a $30 million investment, the facility consolidates company capabilities

Ontic Opens Dedicated Tewkesbury UK MRO Facility

Amy Wilder

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.

In this article

Collins Aerospace

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EASA Approves Lithium-ion Main-ship Battery for EC135

TB30 or TB40 weighs up to 19.4 kg less than the original nicad system

GPMS Signs Wisk Air for Bell 412 and 407 GXi HUMS

MEMS-based system delivers actionable data to support proactive maintenance

Eclipse Buying Parts-maker Resurgent Aviation Solutions

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MRO capabilities include interiors, avionics, paint, propellers, engines, and mobile support

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Kit covers the full line of Daher’s TBM turboprop singles

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