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

U.S. Customs and Border Protection opened a new office at Santa Maria Airport (SMX) on December 4, with operating hours from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Jim Kunkle, president of FBO Central Coast Jet Center, said that Santa Maria is a frequent launch point for business jet flights to Hawaii. The first customer to use the new customs service was a BBJ flying from Asia early last month. Aircraft needing customs clearance in the Los Angeles area must now land at Los Angeles International Airport as customs officers will no longer provide clearance at Long Beach, Burbank or Van Nuys. SMX’s runway is 6,300 feet long but is scheduled to be extended to 8,000 feet next year. Central Coast Jet Center is also building a new 25,000-sq-ft hangar.

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

SMX opens customs office

U.S.

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.

Company won an RFP at Central Wyoming Airport

California FBO Five Rivers Expands Footprint to Wyoming

The 26,510 sq ft of space brings the facility to more than 100,000 sq ft of hangars

Northern California FBO Expands with Hangar Purchase

Facility is company’s first in the Kingdom, with more on the way

Universal Aviation Begins Operations in Saudi Arabia

It will join the company’s location at Nashville International Airport

Atlantic Aviation Starts Work on Second Nashville FBO

KKR purchased the FBO chain in 2021

Apollo Funds Acquires Major Stake in Atlantic Aviation

Spring City Aviation now has four FBOs in the Badger State

Wisconsin FBO Chain Expands with Janesville Purchase

Work will begin on the Boulder City facility by the end of the year

Developer Gets Lease for Vegas-area Hangar Complex

The facility pays tribute to the airfield’s WWII service

Pilot Steps In To Operate Kansas FBO

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