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

Abu Dhabi-based Royal Jet is diversifying its charter fleet with a firm order for three Airbus ACJ320neo VVIP jets plus options for six additional aircraft.&nbsp;The deal is worth anywhere from $330 million to nearly $1 billion, depending on how many options Royal Jet exercises.&nbsp;
The company has long operated Boeing aircraft but the ACJ order is the culmination of 10 years of negotiation with Airbus Corporate Jets, according to Royal Jet CEO Shafiul&nbsp;Syed.
Delivery of the three ACJs is planned in 2026, and outfitting should take 10 to 14 months, Chadi Saade, president of Airbus Corporate Jets said on Wednesday at MEBAA 2024.&nbsp;Royal Jet is seeking bids for both the design and completion of the three jets.&nbsp;“We will go to a tender process,” Syed added.
The choice of the ACJ320neo was due to the aircraft’s capability, Airbus’ reputation, and “many, many other factors,” he said, including having a more diverse fleet. “It’s good to play in both fields. We've built a strong foundation in the Middle East. We have a global recognition, but we want to extend our footprint geographically so you can expect to hear a lot more over the next months and years ahead.”
“With this first significant&nbsp;agreement for the ACJ320neo,” Saade said, “Royal Jet will become the latest Airbus Corporate Jets family customer. The ACJ320neo, with its unmatched cabin space, superior comfort, and cutting-edge technology, will enable Royal Jet to provide exceptional travel experiences for its customers, at the lowest fuel burn of any aircraft in its class.
“It is the perfect choice for connecting business leaders where it matters, when it matters—fostering trade, collaboration, and innovation across global business communities. We will support Royal Jet’s introduction of this new aircraft type into its fleet and look forward to supporting its continued success.”

News and developments about airplanes, helicopters and unmanned air vehicles used in all varieties of operations, including airlines, military, business, commercial, general aviation and private.

Royal Jet Expanding Fleet with ACJ320neo Purchase and Options

UAE-based charter operator has previously had an all-Boeing fleet

The ACJ320neo deal is worth from $330 million to nearly $1 billion, depending on how many options Royal Jet exercises. 

Royal Jet Expanding Fleet with ACJ320neo Purchase

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

Charles Alcock

News and developments about aircraft engines, including turbofan, turboprop, turboshaft and piston.

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

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.

Gaseous hydrogen fuel tanks have been moved out of the cabin to the wing

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Pilatus Unveils PC-12 Pro with Garmin Avionics 

UK start-up has funds to support work through the end of 2025

Vertical's Third VX4 eVTOL Aircraft Prototype Takes Shape

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News and issues relating to the aerospace industry that are related to the science, engineering and business of flight in space involving civil, industrial and military applications, and similar topics related to flight in the atmosphere of the Earth that are not covered more directly by other AINonline subject channels. In other words, both astronautical and aeronautical subjects, except for those aeronautical topics that are specifically covered elsewhere on this website.

Gulfstream Aerospace’s G700 business jet is one of five candidates 

Gulfstream, Skyryse among 2024 Collier Trophy Finalists

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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.

Aircraft was sold in 27 days

SmartJets Speed Runs Sale of Dassault Falcon 2000

Kerry Lynch

News and issues concerning the aviation charter and fractional-ownership industries and markets, including company announcements, regulations, new developments and labor issues.

Globally, business jet departures were down a percentage point

Global Bizjet Flights Dip in February

Neelam Mathews

News about bills, laws, regulations and other governmental decisions affecting aviation and aerospace. Topics include FAA re-authorizations, taxes on fuel and aviation activities, environmental legislation, ICAO decisions, governmental mediation of labor conflicts and World Trade Organization disputes and decisions.

The e200 aircraft should have a range of up to around 60 nm

India’s ePlane Set To Start Flight Testing Two-seat eVTOL Aircraft

Issues regarding financing of aircraft; aviation insurance; tax issues for aircraft operators; new companies and people in the aviation financing and insurance industries.

MEBAA 2024

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Airbus ACJ Series

Airbus

Boeing

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