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

Cessna Citation 560XL, Excel, XL, XLS, and Ascend

Matt Thurber

SmartSky Networks next-generation air-to-ground (ATG) network provides an unmatched connected experience inflight for both cabin and crew.

Apcela ATG, developer and operator of the former SmartSky air-to-ground connectivity network, is offering new incentives and marketing support for dealers selling Apcela systems.
“We’re seeing incredible data rates,” said CEO Mark Casey after the Apcela network was <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/business-aviation/2025-10-14/smartsky-resurrected-apcela-atg">relaunched</a> last year, and customers are experiencing high-speed broadband connectivity throughout its nationwide U.S. coverage area. “We’re not even using all the [system’s] capacity.”
Under the expanded Sign &amp; Fly financing program, Apcela is underwriting 4% loans for dealers to incentivize customers to upgrade to an Apcela One or Dual system while having other work done, such as interior refurbishment and paint. At this week’s AEA Convention, Apcela highlighted dealer Elliott Aviation, which used the Sign &amp; Fly program for customer ENG Aviation. The job included paint and interior refurbishment of two Cessna Citation Excels and installation of the Apcela One system. “For ENG, the financing structure removed a major barrier to upgrading its in-flight connectivity,” according to Apcela.
“Apcela’s Sign &amp; Fly financing covered the full cost of the One ATG system&nbsp;and installation, which made the Wi-Fi upgrade a no-brainer,” said Steve Hofmann, president of ENG Aviation.&nbsp;“When you can fold that into a broader aircraft project without a major upfront expense, it is an easy decision.”
The Apcela Xtreme Xperience 2026 Tour is a field co-marketing program designed for premier dealers to bring potential customers to events where they can learn more about Apcela while enjoying a racetrack driving experience. Xtreme Xperience arranges events for Apcela dealers’ customers to drive Porsches, Lamborghinis, and Ferraris on race tracks.
“It’s an opportunity to get 10 to 15 customers or prospects out of the office to drive a nice car on a track with a professional driver,” Casey said. “It creates a high-touch sales engagement.”
“AEA Dallas is a great venue for us to showcase how Apcela is helping our dealers bring more value to the market,” he said. “By expanding Sign &amp; Fly to support avionics and interior work alongside connectivity, and by investing further in our premier dealers, we’re making it easier for operators to move forward with meaningful aircraft upgrades.”

News and developments about everything that goes into the cabin of an aircraft, from floor coverings to headliners, with a special emphasis on in-flight entertainment, communications and other electronics for passengers. If it is in the cabin of an aircraft, it’s covered here.

Apcela Offers Financing and Field Marketing Program for Top Dealers

Programs designed to incentivize interest in airborne connectivity opportunities 

Xtreme Xperience 2026 Tour is a field co-marketing program designed for dealers to bring potential customers to events where they can learn more about Apcela.

Apcela Adds Financing, Field Marketing for Top Dealers

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

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.

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.

Product can be installed as a major alteration on Part 23 airplanes

Strong AeroLink Mounts Starlink Mini Antenna Externally

Company plans approval for PC-12 and PC-24 later this year

Aero Mech Adds Hawker Jets to Starlink STC List

Available in 3.5- and 4.3-inch sizes for cabin applications or 10.1-inch for galley

Alto Unveils New-gen Touchscreen Cadence Panels

Amy Wilder

Springville facility doubles capacity for interior completions

SureFlight Expands to Utah With Interiors Shop

Chad Trautvetter

News and issues regarding all manner of civil and military rotorcraft and their powerplants, including helicopters, tilt rotors and unmanned air vehicles.

In this article

Cessna Citation 560XL, Excel, XL, XLS, and Ascend

Apcela

SmartSky Networks

Textron Aviation

More In Cabin Interior and Electronics

Strong AeroLink Mounts Starlink Mini Antenna Externally

Product can be installed as a major alteration on Part 23 airplanes

Aero Mech Adds Hawker Jets to Starlink STC List

Company plans approval for PC-12 and PC-24 later this year

Alto Unveils New-gen Touchscreen Cadence Panels

Available in 3.5- and 4.3-inch sizes for cabin applications or 10.1-inch for galley

SureFlight Expands to Utah With Interiors Shop

Springville facility doubles capacity for interior completions

VVIP Interior Added as Option for Bell 429 Designer Series

VVIP cabin adds premium finishes, lighting, and storage features

Alpine Helicopters Picks Skytrac Solution for Upgrade Program

Iridium satcom will help pilots and ground crews remain connected

Wireless Communications Slated for More Airbus Models

Device enables airborne connectivity via cellphone networks

AeroSync Mission Available for Leonardo AW119

Device enables secure communications for EMS helicopter crews

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