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

West Star Aviation specializes in airframe repair and maintenance, engine repair and maintenance, major modifications, avionics installation and repair, interior refurbishment, paint, parts, surplus avionics sales, window repair and accessory services.

West Star Aviation is expanding its AOG support capabilities with the purchase of DCJet, a business aviation maintenance provider with five U.S. locations that specializes in field maintenance and AOG services.
The acquisition adds to West Star’s own AOG capabilities, which include more than 200 aircraft maintenance technicians; its total now exceeds 250 employees with the addition. DCJet is headquartered at Washington Dulles International Airport (KIAD). Its other locations are at Chicago Midway International Airport (KMDW); Orlando International Airport (KMCO); Seattle Boeing Field (KBFI); and Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (TJSJ) in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
West Star plans “a thoughtful, measured integration approach, with an emphasis on maintaining continuity of service and preserving the people-focused culture that made DCJet a strong fit,” according to the company. “In the near term, the priority remains unchanged: deliver reliable, high-quality support and get customers back in the air as quickly as possible.”
“This is an exciting step for our team and our customers,” said Joe Ortiz, president and founder of DCJet. “By joining West Star Aviation, we gain additional scale and resources while staying focused on what has always defined DCJet: taking care of the customer, working as a team, and delivering solutions where and when they are needed most.”

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.

West Star Aviation Acquires Business Aviation Maintenance Provider DCJet

Move expands AOG service opportunities 

West Star plans “a thoughtful, measured integration approach” and “preserving the people-focused culture that made DCJet a strong fit."

West Star Aviation Acquires Bizav MRO Provider DCJet

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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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West Star Aviation

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