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.

A drawer full of old shirts speaks to industry changes

AINsight: NBAA Forum Stirs Memories of FBOs Past

The company has operated at KRBD since 2019

Dallas-area FBO Jet Access Moves to New Digs

Additions bring catering and staffing support 

Paragon Aviation Group Welcomes Two Services Members

ExecuJet and Signature Aviation welcome the move to a larger facility

FBOs Prepare for Move at Saint Martin Airport

Offering full FBO services in the Gateway to the West

 Aero Charter: Five Decades of Independence in St. Louis

Jessica Reed

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.

More In FBOs

AINsight: NBAA Forum Stirs Memories of FBOs Past

A drawer full of old shirts speaks to industry changes

Dallas-area FBO Jet Access Moves to New Digs

The company has operated at KRBD since 2019

Paragon Aviation Group Welcomes Two Services Members

Additions bring catering and staffing support

FBOs Prepare for Move at Saint Martin Airport

ExecuJet and Signature Aviation welcome the move to a larger facility

Aero Charter: Five Decades of Independence in St. Louis

Offering full FBO services in the Gateway to the West

Aircraft Growth Outpacing FBO Infrastructure Limits

Operational pressures are forcing fundamental changes in safety culture and infrastructure planning

SoCal's Golden West Jet Center FBO To Close on June 1

Closure follows RFP process at KOXR

Report Forecasts Strong FBO Market Growth

Over the next six years, the worldwide FBO market value is expected to reach $41 billion

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