A lifelong aviation enthusiast who joined&nbsp;AIN&nbsp;in 2007, Curt came to&nbsp;the publication&nbsp;from the broadcast industry where he was a national science and technology television reporter and producer. He writes on the FBO field, aviation finance, and sustainable aviation and occasionally contributes to&nbsp;AIN&nbsp;sister publication&nbsp;Business Jet Traveler. Curt was a member of the AINtv reporting staff that won the 2008 Aerospace Journalist of the Year award for Best Airshow Daily. That same year, he was a finalist for another AJOYA award. He earned an AJOYA for Best Business Aviation Submission in 2018 and was a finalist in that category in 2021. He received the National Air Transportation Association’s&nbsp; Aviation Journalist Award in 2012 and won a Pegasus Sapphire Business Aviation Award for outstanding journalism in 2021.
Before joining AIN, Curt worked with&nbsp;Consumer Reports’ television division, CRTV, and for several local television news staffs. An honors graduate of the State University of New York at Stony Brook, he earned a master’s degree in broadcast journalism from Boston University in 1995. Curt lives in New York State with his wife and two young sons.

Business Aviation Services Editor

Curt Epstein

Jet Aviation has bolstered its U.S. aircraft management and charter services with today’s announcement of the purchase of Los Angeles-based provider Avjet. Upon regulatory approval, the deal whose value was not disclosed, will provide a key addition to the company’s existing charter/management operations, which includes locations in Teterboro, N.J., Van Nuys, Calif., Zurich, Hong Kong, and Dubai.

 


“Avjet’s 37-years of experience in aircraft management and charter services and impressive fleet of 45 aircraft makes it the perfect complement to Jet Aviation’s operations,” said David Paddock, the General Dynamics subsidiary’s senior vice president and general manager for U.S. aircraft services. “This acquisition will provide excellent benefits for Avjet’s customers by providing access to Jet Aviation’s global network of service facilities.” &nbsp;Avjet’s fleet ranges from Boeing Business Jets and Gulfstream 650’s down to Hawker 800’s.

 


Current Avjet chairman and CEO Marc Foulkrod will retain ownership of the company’s aircraft sales and brokerage unit, which will continue to operate under the name Avjet Global Sales. “This acquisition meets my plans to expand our global sales, acquisition and brokerage services while allowing Jet Aviation to continue Avjet’s tradition of excellence in aircraft management and charter services,” Foulkrod said.

 


This latest purchase is part of Jet Aviation’s recent focus on the “left coast.” Last month, it received permission from authorities to establish its first West Coast FBO, a $40 million facility at Van Nuys Airport, which will also include a Gulfstream service center.

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

Jet Aviation Acquires Avjet

With the purchase, the General Dynamics subsidiary will add 45, mainly large-cabin, business jets to its aircraft management and charter division.

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

Charles Alcock

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.

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.

Europe-based group is adding a pair of Bombardier Global 8000 jets, plus a 6500

Middle East and Africa Fuel Comlux’s Charter Growth

Matt Thurber

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.

Lack of rental engines is a focus of the complaint

ATI Jet Lawsuit Alleges Hourly Service Plan Setbacks

The Hong Kong-based operator now has almost 50 business aircraft

China’s Sino Jet Expands Charter Fleet with Second G700

Jessica Reed

Program launches with HondaJet HA-420 and Bombardier Challenger 3500

Honda Aircraft Unit Backs Thrive Fractional Jet Program

Amy Wilder

Elite Jets, MaxAir keep names, add Priester co-brand

Priester Aviation Unifies Companies under One Brand

Program lets non-members compare pricing before booking

BlueSky Extends Pricing Access to Non-members

Hourly rates range from turboprops to VIP airliners

Paramount Business Jets Guide Details 2026 Charter Rates

Kerry Lynch

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.

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