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

The completion on Monday of Encore FBO’s $436 million purchase of the Landmark Aviation FBO and charter business from Dubai Aerospace Enterprise caps a series of acquisitions that have seen FBO chains grow to new heights. Encore is rebranding its eight FBOs and its now 41-facility chain as Landmark Aviation, which also includes aircraft sales, charter, parts and maintenance businesses, as well as Encore’s military fuel-supply operation. The Landmark acquisition was made by Encore FBO and its financial backers, GTCR Golder Rauner and Platform Partners. Also this week, Atlantic Aviation plans to close the purchase of three FBOs from SevenBar Enterprises in Albuquerque and Farmington, N.M., and Sun Valley, Idaho, bringing the Atlantic network to 68 FBOs. And on February 22, Hawker Beechcraft agreed to sell seven U.S. FBOs to BBA Aviation, parent of Signature Flight Support, for $128.5 million. This deal should close in May and will bring BBA’s FBO holdings to 115 facilities by AIN’s count.

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

Record-breaking FBO Consolidation Continues

The completion on Monday of Encore FBO’s $436 million purchase of the Landmark Aviation FBO and charter business from Dubai Aerospace Enterprise caps a ser

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

Curt Epstein

News and information on safety procedures and concerns.

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.

The company now has its sights set on Stage 3

Universal Aviation Toluca Scores IS-BAH Stage 2

Additions serve the UK and Colombia

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Universal Aviation Toluca Scores IS-BAH Stage 2

The company now has its sights set on Stage 3

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The addition brings the location to 65,000 sq ft of hangar space

Atlantic Aviation Expands in the Caribbean

The move gives the FBO chain its third Caribbean Base

Tucson Jet Center: A Family Affair in Arizona

The climb from weekend customer service rep to FBO owner took two decades

Kansas City Downtown Airport Set to Get Third FBO

The Apex Aero Center is expected to open in the first half of 2027

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