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

EASA Safety Information Bulletin <a href="https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:US:244d7ad5-a83a-4267-839b-0b3d93ae4ba2">2026-04</a> warns operators and pilots that supplies of jet A-1 grade aviation fuel “on certain markets might be constrained” and notes that jet-A may be substituted in markets where jet A-1 is typically available. These include airports in Europe, Africa, Australia, India, and Southeast Asia.
While U.S. and Canadian airports typically supply jet-A, according to the bulletin, “A potential introduction of jet-A in Europe or in other parts of the world would not generate safety concerns provided that its introduction is properly managed.” There are differences between the two fuels, including a reduced freezing-point margin for jet-A compared to jet A-1 and lower electrical conductivity. However, aircraft and engine type certificates generally permit the use of both fuel types.
“Although North America operates without a defined minimum conductivity limit,” the bulletin explains, “it cannot be assumed that European infrastructure has been fully risk-assessed for this change, as it has been designed for fuels with specific conductivity characteristics. In particular, it is not clear to what extent existing European infrastructure, procedures, and electrostatic hazard controls across the supply chain would remain fully effective for low-conductivity fuels.
“From a human factors perspective, the wrong assumption that ‘jet fuel grades are interchangeable,’ in combination with insufficient training on fuel grade differences, may lead to incorrect assumptions and inappropriate flight crew operational decisions. In addition, in operational conditions, fuel grade information may not always be sufficiently visible or clearly identified, which may contribute to incorrect assumptions.”
While the bulletin is not regulatory or mandatory, it was published “to raise awareness of the risks associated with the introduction of jet-A fuel in a jet A-1 environment, in particular potential mismatches between fuel properties and existing operational, technical, and procedural assumptions.”

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

EASA Bulletin Warns of Safety Risks as Jet-A Moves Into Jet A-1 Markets

Could affect airports in Europe, Africa, Australia, India, and Southeast Asia

There are differences between the two fuels, including reduced freezing point margins of jet-A compared to jet-A-1 and lower electrical conductivity

EASA Bulletin Warns About Jet-A Versus Jet A-1 Issue

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 tournament will begin next month at 16 venues across North America

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Charles Alcock

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.

London airport says satellite-based instrument approach improves operational resilience

Biggin Hill Airport’s Instrument Approach Trial Extended

Charlotte Bailey

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

Securing proportionate and fair access to slots in Europe remains a major headache

Slot Restrictions Cramp European Bizav’s Style

The airport will shut down on April 23

Colorado’s Aspen/Pitkin Airport To Close for a Month

Private aircraft can no longer use the main international airport

Uzbekistan Moves Bizav Traffic to Tashkent East Airport

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

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.

Provides navigation assistance for a busy airshow traffic environment

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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.

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Securing proportionate and fair access to slots in Europe remains a major headache

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New protocol is a result of quality-assurance efforts

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Some believe new fees are motivated by noise complaints

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