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

Helicopter and aerospace component manufacturer Kaman has agreed to be acquired by private equity firm Arcline Investment Management. The transaction is expected to be closed in the first half of 2024 following shareholder and regulatory approvals. Publicly held Kaman’s stock traded in the $22 range prior to the announcement that Arcline will pay $46.00 per share in an all-cash transaction worth about $1.8 billion.
Kaman was founded in 1945 by Charles Kaman and still supports the SH-2G Super Seasprite maritime helicopter and K-Max intermeshing-rotor helicopter. Its most recent program is the <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/business-aviation/2023-03-07/kaman-phi-partner-kargo-uav-commercial-operations">Kargo</a> uncrewed aerial system, a turbine-engine-powered cargo delivery aircraft. The company also specializes in aircraft bearings, wheels and brakes, metal and composite aerostructures, aircraft electronics and components, and defense products.
Late last year, Kaman acquired Hartzell Aviation from Tailwind Technologies, which includes Hartzell Propeller and Hartzell Engine Tech. The latter recently purchased general aviation ignition products manufacturer Kelly Aero and rebranded it as PowerUp Ignition Systems.&nbsp;
According to Kaman chairman, president, and CEO Ian Walsh, “Following robust engagement with Arcline and careful evaluation of other potential value-creation opportunities, we are pleased to have reached this agreement. Given the rigorous review of alternatives we recently completed, we are confident this transaction maximizes value for shareholders and is in the best interest of Kaman as well as our employees, customers, and other stakeholders.”

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

Arcline Adding Kaman to Growing Aerospace Portfolio

The acquisition is subject to shareholder and regulatory approvals

Kaman’s stock traded in the $22 range prior to the announcement that Arcline will pay 46.00 per share in an all-cash transaction worth about $1.8 billion.

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

Amy Wilder

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.

Inventory edges higher but demand remains steady

Amstat Q3 Data Shows Strong Preowned Biz Aircraft Market

Kerry Lynch

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.

Pilatus had paused deliveries to the U.S. until late October

U.S. Inks Zero-tariff Aircraft Accord with Swiss, Koreans

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.

Kansas-based Turbine Training Center is an option in the Performance Vector Program.

USAIG Expands Performance Vector Program to Ag Ops

Charles Alcock

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.

European investment group invests in Czech start-up and promises orders

AAMG Backs Zuri’s Plans for Hybrid-electric VTOL Aircraft

10% assessment resulted in fewer aircraft sales in the country

Canada Budget Eliminates Luxury Tax on Aircraft, Boats

In North America, October activity was 7.4% higher than September

Argus: October Was 2nd-busiest Month Ever for Bizav Flying

Highlights include sustainable growth and future aircraft vision

Embraer Exec Jets Chief: Wealth, Demand Driving Expansion

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

In this article

Kaman K-MAX

Kaman Aerospace

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