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

MedAire has added several new security support features for business aircraft operators in the Middle East, including an artificial intelligence (AI)-powered news and events service, plus training for their staff. At the MEBAA show this week, the company is also rolling out new crew wellbeing services.
On Tuesday, Abu Dhabi-based charter operator&nbsp;RoyalJet announced it is introducing MedAire’s Digital Assessment Kit for its entire fleet, to receive medical emergency support through MedAire’s MedLink service. During flights,, MedLink connects crew with emergency room physicians on the ground who can assess passenger medical issues and provide guidance as to the safest way to resolve these situations.
The AI news and event tool is integrated in MedAire’s client portal and “will provide clients unparalleled access to critical news insights, further reinforcing the commitment to operator security situational awareness,” according to MedAire. This includes helping customers assess emerging security threats and make critical operational decisions. Quantexa is providing its News Intelligence API to enable the AI news and event tool.
There are three key elements to the AI tool: sentiment analysis, which helps customers “gauge public perception and potential impact on operations;” geolocation insights, with geographically tagged news so customers can make critical operational decisions based on where events are occurring; and frequency and trend analysis, with tracking of “frequency and trends of news occurrences over time to anticipate shifts in the landscape and prepare accordingly.”
As part of introducing new security features earlier this year, MedAire added two aviation security training courses: General Aviation Security Awareness Training and Aviation Security Risk Management.
<h2>More Security Training</h2>
The general aviation training consists of 60- to 90-minute online modules that comply with international security regulations and help operators with risk management that aligns with aviation security standards. “It will further equip them with the knowledge and skills to identify, mitigate, and respond to security threats, ensuring the safety of passengers, crew, aircraft, and assets,” according to MedAire.
For aviation security and operational personnel, MedAire’s security risk management course is available as a three-day in-person or remote training program. Topics covered include identifying, assessing, and managing aviation security risks and the skills needed “to develop methodical skills in implementing risk-based approaches, aligning with international regulations, and fostering proactive measures to mitigate threats while maintaining safe and efficient aviation operations.”
As part of its crew wellbeing program, MedAire is collaborating with OdiliaClark to bring “talk to a peer” services to Middle East- and Asia-based customers, part of an effort begun earlier this year. The service connects peer support volunteers with individuals who are facing mental health challenges.
The volunteers are current or former aviation professionals who have been trained in empathy, active listening, and resilience building. “This service promises an understanding and relevant support system, crucial for accessible and reliable mental health assistance,” MedAire said, and services are confidential and available 24/7.
“The wellbeing of crew and personnel goes beyond physical challenges,” said Richard Gomez, MedAire v-p of aviation products. “As an industry, we need to bridge the gap between recognizing mental health issues and actively addressing them, and we see this program as a proactive way to achieve this and further support aviation professionals around the world.”

News and information on safety procedures and concerns.

MedAire Expands Middle East Business Aviation Security and Health Services

Flight crew mental health is an important facet of operational safety 

MedAire has added two new aviation security training courses: General Aviation Security Awareness Training and Aviation Security Risk Management.

MedAire Expands MidEast Bizav Security, Health Services

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News and information about crew, passenger, aircraft and airport security issues.

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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.

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