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

Pentastar Aviation, headquartered at Oakland County International Airport in Waterford, Mich., has weathered the past year’s economic turmoil and added 11 aircraft to the company’s charter/management fleet, a significant accomplishment given the dramatic cuts taking place in Michigan’s automotive-focused economy. “The challenges presented by a changing economy have allowed us to reevaluate our core competencies to address those challenges,” said Pentastar president Rick Maloney. “We viewed these challenges as an opportunity to grow and implement positive changes to better serve a wider range of customers.” Pentastar added 50 new jobs as a result of the recent growth in activity. In addition to the charter division, Pentastar operates a full-service FBO, including maintenance services, at Oakland County as well as an FBO at Van Nuys Airport in Southern California.

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

Touching Bases: Pentastar Adds Jobs, Aircraft

Pentastar Aviation, headquartered at Oakland County International Airport in Waterford, Mich., has weathered the past year’s economic turmoil and added 11 

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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