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

Under an accelerated delivery plan in response to “heavy market demand,” fractional-share operator Flexjet will place six G450s into service by the end of the year. <a href="http://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/2014-10-14/gulfstream-racks-launch-orders-new-g500">Flexjet placed an order for up to 50 Gulfstreams</a> in October 2014, which includes the G450, G650 and the new G500, for which Flexjet “will be the North American launch customer and exclusive fractional provider,” according to the company.&nbsp;

 


“Since we <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/business-aviation/2015-06-23/flexjet-takes-delivery-its-first-gulfstreams">took delivery of our first Gulfstream G450 in June</a>, the response to these new long-range aircraft has been so robust that we have asked Gulfstream to move up delivery of our next two G450s to this fall, rather than mid-2016, as previously agreed to,” said Flexjet CEO Michael Silvestro. “Our [year-over-year fractional share] sales for the year are up 20 percent and the marketplace clearly is hungry for extended-range products from Gulfstream.”&nbsp;

 


Flexjet’s first G650 is slated for delivery early next year, and the first G500 is expected in 2018. The Gulfstream order originally was for 22 firm (10 G450s, six G650s and six G500s) and 28 options. Two of the options were moved up to accelerate the G450 deliveries, so the order now stands at at 24 firm and 26 options, according to Silvestro. “We still have flexibility in options across those three fleet types. Gulfstream was accommodating in the types we felt were most desirable.”&nbsp;

 


“In the fractional jet industry, you hear a lot about orders for new airplanes being delayed or cancelled, not accelerated,” said Flexjet chairman Kenn Ricci. “Not only have we had strong demand for the Gulfstream G450, but we also are seeing tremendous enthusiasm for the G650.”

 


The company’s Gulfstreams, Learjet 75s, Challenger 350s, Global Expresses and Legacy 450s and 500s are or will be equipped with Flexjet’s customized LXI Cabin Collection configuration.

 


The first Embraer Legacy 500 delivery is scheduled for September, and Flexjet will take five this year. Legacy 450 deliveries begin in June 2016. “We’re excited about [the Legacy 500],” he said. “It really rounds out our fleet, and I can’t wait to get it in the program.”&nbsp;

 


The new aircraft are expected to expand the Flexjet fleet by at least 50 percent, if not more, from about 85 earlier this year “to the low to mid 100s,” according to Silvestro.

 


Recently Flexjet has re-registered some Phenom 300s operated by its sister fractional-share provider Flight Options with Flexjet N numbers. Silvestro explained that the two fractionals’ fleets aren’t being merged but that Flexjet was selected as the brand for new deliveries. “That’s the theme of Flexjet,” he explained. “As we thought about the fleet, the Phenom became the product that would be more aligned with the Flexjet brand, and that’s why new deliveries of Phenoms are coming on as the Flexjet brand, and we did start converting some Phenoms to Flexjet.”

 


Silvestro sees Flexjet as having returned to a growth mode. “I’ve been at this sort of strategic planning mode the better part of a year and a half, and we started to execute in 2015; 2014 was more of a transition. I’m excited that the marketplace has responded. The third and fourth quarter are [typically] the most robust, and we’re headed into the busiest part of the year with great momentum.”

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.

Citing Demand, Flexjet Accelerates G450 Deliveries

Flexjet placed an order for up to 50 Gulfstreams last October, which includes the G450, G650 and the new G500.

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

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.

All-composite light jet will feature windowless cabin

Otto’s Phantom Bizjet Promises Midsize Performance and Comfort

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.

Manufacturer is exhibiting this week at Catarina Aviation Show in São Paulo

Brazil ANAC Approves Ultra-long-range Gulfstream G700

Curt Epstein

The annual event featured hundreds of exhibitors and more than 3,000 visitors

NBAA Northeast Regional Draws Crowds to White Plains

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

News and issues about aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), covering all segments of the aviation industry; and modifications for aircraft and engines. Subjects include product support of aircraft, engines and avionics, MRO company mergers, acquisitions, announcements and personnel, Airworthiness Directives, Supplemental Type Certificate approvals and other topics.

Agreement calls for orders of up to 200 of Joby's four-passenger vehicles 

Saudi Group Agrees to be Distributor For Joby's eVTOL Aircraft

Amy Wilder

News and issues relating to the aerospace industry that are related to the science, engineering and business of flight in space involving civil, industrial and military applications, and similar topics related to flight in the atmosphere of the Earth that are not covered more directly by other AINonline subject channels. In other words, both astronautical and aeronautical subjects, except for those aeronautical topics that are specifically covered elsewhere on this website.

AirVenture 2025 to host two of the company’s airships

Goodyear Blimp Celebrates a Century in Flight

News and information on safety procedures and concerns.

News about simulators and training procedures, as well as workforce.

First pilot-on-board flights featured conventional takeoffs and landings

Archer’s Midnight eVTOL Aircraft Starts Piloted Test Flights

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.

More In Aircraft

Otto’s Phantom Bizjet Promises Midsize Performance and Comfort

All-composite light jet will feature windowless cabin

Brazil ANAC Approves Ultra-long-range Gulfstream G700

Manufacturer is exhibiting this week at Catarina Aviation Show in São Paulo

NBAA Northeast Regional Draws Crowds to White Plains

The annual event featured hundreds of exhibitors and more than 3,000 visitors

Saudi Group Agrees to be Distributor For Joby's eVTOL Aircraft

Agreement calls for orders of up to 200 of Joby's four-passenger vehicles

Goodyear Blimp Celebrates a Century in Flight

AirVenture 2025 to host two of the company’s airships

Archer’s Midnight eVTOL Aircraft Starts Piloted Test Flights

First pilot-on-board flights featured conventional takeoffs and landings

Pipistrel’s Velis Electro Is a Trailblazer for Electric Aviation

Textron subsidiary Pipistrel is the first manufacturer that has certified an electric aircraft.

Citation: Cessna’s Revolutionary Jet

Cessna’s original Citation broke new ground for small business jets

AIN Products

SUBSCRIPTIONS

RESOURCES

ABOUT AIN