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

Boeing-owned parts distributor and service provider Aviall is seeing strength in every segment, buoyed by improved efficiencies as a result of implementing a new SAP enterprise resource planning system two years ago. “The results of this investment were evident in record fourth quarter sales and shipments,” said Ed Dolanski, recently promoted to president of Global Services and Support at Boeing. “During the year, we reported strong sales in commercial aviation and also enjoyed solid sales in the general aviation, business aviation and military segments. For 2016, the aerospace industry is in a strong position as well and shows promise going forward as economic conditions, fuel prices, international growth and the overall market continue to improve.”
For Aviall (Booth 4151), commercial, general and business aviation and military markets offer increased growth opportunities in the rest of the world, including Asia, the Middle East, Europe, Eastern Europe and Latin America. Aviall has 27 facilities in North America capable of next-day freight deliveries to 97 percent of its customers, according to Dolanski. An additional seven stocking locations in Australia and New Zealand support those countries’ general aviation and helicopter markets.
“Throughout my career, I have come to understand that having the right part on hand when it is needed is crucial to success,” he said. “At Aviall, we work extremely hard to simplify the supply chain while also ensuring we stay committed to quality service and convenience. A customer-first mentality is crucial. For example, the implementation of SAP at Aviall has launched us light-years ahead of where we were technologically and provides an even greater convenience for our customers.”
&nbsp;Aviall isn’t just a parts house, although it does market and distribute about 2 million unique aircraft and engine parts for 240 manufacturers from 40 locations worldwide, 20 of which are repair stations. “As a company, we remain committed to expanding our global repair management services,” Dolanski said, “which include battery services, hose assembly and fabrication, paint mixing, wheel and brake services, chemical management and others.
“Our many locations allow us to provide a variety of supply chain services including order processing, stocking and fulfillment systems,” he said. “Having a local presence allows us to better offer the products and services of our 240 original equipment manufacturers, and better serve our customers on a continual basis.”
New distribution deals include a 10-year extension of an agreement with legacy parts manufacturer Ontic. Aviall also signed a distribution agreement with Esterline Korry for its Korry, Mason and Janco cockpit displays, rotary and pushbutton switches, indicators and flight controls. Another agreement is with DeWal Tapes for thermal spray tapes used in plasma spraying applications. And Aviall and Lord signed an amendment adding the Bell Helicopter 204, 212, 214, 222, 230, 412, 429 and 430 to their existing contract.
“Throughout our operations, we consistently examine how we do business,” Dolanski said. “We have recently reorganized our distribution centers in an effort to better align our processes at each facility. This alignment has shown a significant positive impact to our customer service and has improved the overall customer experience.”

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.

Aviall Sees Growth in Worldwide Markets

The company is positioned for growth in the commercial, business/general aviation and military segments.

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.

Essential news and analysis on the defense aerospace business. Your trusted source for new and ongoing programs and requirements in military aircraft (manned and unmanned), engines, avionics, weapons and associated systems, including ground-based air defense.

Panel participants included Boeing, Gulfstream Aerospace, and West Star Aviation

Summit Highlights St. Louis Aero MRO and Manufacturing

Kerry Lynch

News and developments about everything that goes into the cabin of an aircraft, from floor coverings to headliners, with a special emphasis on in-flight entertainment, communications and other electronics for passengers. If it is in the cabin of an aircraft, it’s covered here.

What began 22 years ago as a Caravan project is now a busy multimillion-dollar business

Building Interiors at Yingling Aviation

MRO services for E1000 turboprops available at company’s Denver location

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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.

In this article

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