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

A year-and-a-half ago, Bombardier <a href="http://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/business-aviation/2013-12-12/flexjet-sale-directional-aviation-capital-finalized">sold its Flexjet fractional-share provider to Directional Aviation</a> and now Flexjet is celebrating its 20th anniversary. “A lot of players have come and gone out of our little space, and it’s quite an accomplishment that Flexjet has not only survived but thrived,” said CEO Michael Silvestro.


Part of the thriving includes significant orders for new aircraft that expand the fractional fleet’s capabilities and offer more travel options for shareowners. The company has ordered Gulfstream G450s—with the first one arriving next month—G500s and G650s; the first G650 arrives in the fourth quarter next year and the first G500 in 2017. More recently, Flexjet elected to order an unspecified number of Embraer Legacy 450s and 500s, which replace the 60 Learjet 85s the company planned to buy. Bombardier has officially "<a href="http://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/business-aviation/2015-01-15/bombardier-halts-learjet-85-program">paused" the Learjet 85 program</a>, and Flexjet needs something to offer the more than 60 customers who bought Learjet 85 shares. “It was a product category that they were looking forward to, and we wanted to make sure to keep them in the family,” Silvestro explained. The first Legacy 500 will join the Flexjet fleet in this year’s fourth quarter, followed by the first Legacy 450 in the second quarter next year. The rest of the fleet includes the Phenom 300, Learjet 40 and 75LXi and Challenger 300, 350LXi and 605.&nbsp;

News and issues concerning the aviation charter and fractional-ownership industries and markets, including company announcements, regulations, new developments and labor issues.

Flexjet Celebrates 20th Anniversary and Orders Legacy 450s and 500s

The fractional-share provider is expanding its fleet, both in size and aircraft types.

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

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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.

Dichter, founder of Wheels Up and Marquis Jet, makes his aviation comeback

Kenny Dichter Reenters Charter Market with Real Jet

Sarah Rose

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.

Private co-ownership firm expands west

Jet Out Launches Regional Base at Scottsdale Airport

Bicoastal presence supports national growth

Schubach Aviation Expands with NYC Office

Limited memberships now offer super-midsize access

Wheels Up Adds Challenger 300, Expands Fleet

Jessica Reed

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.

As of May 7, Part 135 charter flights/nonscheduled commercial operations must comply with Real ID

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Chad Trautvetter

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.

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