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

Collins Aerospace is a prominent aerospace and defense company specializing in the development and manufacture of advanced technology solutions. They offer a wide range of products and services, including avionics, aircraft interiors, mission systems, and space systems. 

Qatar Airways has selected Collins Aerospace’s Ascentia analytics solution to help manage maintenance of its fleet of 52 Boeing 787s. At the Dubai Airshow, Collins also announced that Emirates has expanded its long-term agreement for A380 landing gear MRO services.
Using sensor data from the aircraft, Ascentia compares that data to historic fleet records and statistical models both to monitor aircraft systems and deliver predictive insights into component health and performance, according to Collins. “Airlines can utilize these data elements to help reduce unscheduled maintenance events, limit aircraft downtime, and improve on-time performance.”
“What sets the Collins Ascentia solution apart is our role as the system OEM, enabling us to deliver precise, real-time recommendations that minimize flight disruptions and enhance the reliability of air travel,” said Nicole White, v-p and general manager of connected aviation. “With Ascentia analytics supporting nearly 40% of the 787s in operation today, we provide unique insights, seamless system integration, and robust technical support, empowering airlines to effortlessly monitor, analyze, and act on critical operational data to drive efficiency and performance.”
As part of the Emirates A380 agreement, work on the airline’s landing gear will continue at Collins’ UAE and Miami MRO facilities. The company will also train Emirates mechanics to conduct work onsite at Emirates’ Dubai MRO facility.
“Collins Aerospace is committed to delivering value-added support to our customers. With this MRO extension, we’re empowering Emirates with greater autonomy and scheduling flexibility, enabling them to exceed operational demands and enhance aircraft availability,” said Matt Maurer, v-p and general manager of landing systems.

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.

Qatar Airways Selects Collins Aerospace Ascentia Analytics for 787s

Use of sensor data helps airline reduce unscheduled maintenance events and downtime

Ascentia compares sensor data to historic fleet records and statistical models to deliver predictive health and performance insights.

Qatar Airways Selects Collins Ascentia for 787s

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

Charles Alcock

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

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.

News and issues relating to international air transport and cargo carriers, national airlines and regional airlines, including aircraft, engines, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security and training.

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.

Investments at its Basel HQ and beyond have expanded the group’s bandwidth

AMAC Boosts MRO Capabilities To Meet Rising Demand

Airline is adding 10 more of the E2 aircraft to its Africa-based fleet

Airlink Signs for E195-E2 Component Pool Support

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.

Installations are to meet a mandate for all aircraft using South Africa’s Class A airspace

ExecuJet MRO Services Fits ADS-B for South African Jets

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.

Agreement expands global support and service for aerospace test equipment

Bauer Signs Test Systems Partnership with Ascential Technologies

Corporate aviation maintenance experts sound off on software issues

AINsight: Too Much AI Talk, but Maybe It Can Help MROs

Kerry Lynch

Completion is ahead of year-end deadline

Gulfstream Implements Voluntary SMS Programs for U.S. MROs

The Swiss-based MRO group’s customer base spans the Middle East, Asia, Africa, and Europe

AMAC Invests in Self-sufficiency To Support the World’s VIP Jets

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.

Dubai Airshow 2025

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Collins Aerospace

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