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

Heatcon Composite Systems will distribute composite repair products manufactured by Solvay Materials under a global distribution partnership agreement signed by the two companies. Solvay’s products include vacuum-bagging films, breather fabrics, release films, peel plies, release fabrics, flash tapes, and sealant tapes.

 


Heatcon’s use of Solvay products will help ensure “maximum cohesion of base materials,” according to Heatcon. The company has served the aerospace industry for more than 35 years, supplying composite repair equipment such as hot bonders and accessories as well as repair materials and technician training.

 


In addition to aerospace, Solvay Materials manufactures lightweight materials for automobiles, batteries, smart devices, and medical equipment. “Our goal is to expand our product offerings to better serve our industry,” said Heatcon president Eric Casterline. “We believe our partnership with Solvay is crucial for the future success of Heatcon.”

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.

Heatcon, Solvay Partner on Composites Distribution

Heatcon and Solvay Materials have partnered to deliver composite repair products to the aerospace industry.

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

Curt Epstein

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’s major MRO facility opened in 2021

Metrojet Engineering Clark Adds Guernsey Mx Approval

Repairs and inspections can be done at the customer’s facility

PJI Extends Mobile GSE Service Nationwide

The move expands the company's aircraft maintenance capabilities 

Pula Aviation Services Buys UK MRO

Amy Wilder

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.

Operators face hidden costs from seasonal insect activity

Bug Residue Measurably Increases Aircraft Drag, Fuel Burn

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

Company expands UK footprint and adds new blade and component capabilities

Castle Air Expands Helo Maintenance with Heliwork Buy

Charles Alcock

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

New two-bay hangar is expected to open in the second half of 2026

Bombardier Progresses London Biggin Hill Paint Facility

Company says there is strong demand in the aftermarket

Henderson Jet Services Harvesting HondaJet Elite Parts

New developments and products in avionics, specifically about aircraft electronics in the cockpit.

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

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