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

U.S. Customs and Border Protection opened a new office at Santa Maria Airport (SMX) on December 4, with operating hours from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Jim Kunkle, president of FBO Central Coast Jet Center, said that Santa Maria is a frequent launch point for business jet flights to Hawaii. The first customer to use the new customs service was a BBJ flying from Asia early last month. Aircraft needing customs clearance in the Los Angeles area must now land at Los Angeles International Airport as customs officers will no longer provide clearance at Long Beach, Burbank or Van Nuys. SMX’s runway is 6,300 feet long but is scheduled to be extended to 8,000 feet next year. Central Coast Jet Center is also building a new 25,000-sq-ft hangar.

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

SMX opens customs office

U.S.

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.

Facility will be operated by charter provider FlyXcite

Third FBO To Land at Toronto Hamilton Airport

The FBO chain acquired the facility and its customer care culture in 2007

Signature Shows Off 'Minnesota Nice' in St. Paul

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

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

Delta County Airport is the branded dealer network's first Michigan location

AEG Fuels Connects with Michigan Airport 

AmyWilder

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.

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Third FBO To Land at Toronto Hamilton Airport

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The FBO chain acquired the facility and its customer care culture in 2007

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Delta County Airport is the branded dealer network's first Michigan location

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Significant savings for single and twin piston operators

SEA Prime Expands Milan Linate FBO as Traffic Grows

The company will expand its Linate Prime location ahead of the 2026 Winter Olympics

Atlantic Aviation Turbocharges Customer Loyalty Program

Changes will increase the speed of reward accumulation

Universal Expands European Handling Network to Portugal

Universal's co-branding agreement adds six locations to its network

Million Air Dallas To Open New Addison Customs Ramp

The new apron will enhance the FBO's international flight services

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