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

Surf Air is expanding to Europe and will begin all-you-can-fly charter services there this fall, using jets operated by TAG Aviation (UK). The aircraft types have not yet been revealed by Surf Air, but they will be new jets flown by two-pilot crews.

 


Monthly membership fees for the European service are £2,500 ($3,235), and members will be able to fly as many times as they wish between the Surf Air destinations without paying any additional charges. The service will launch with daily flights between London Luton, Cannes Mandelieu, Geneva International and Zurich International Airports, as well as weekend flights to Ibiza, Spain. Next year, Surf Air plans to add other cities such as Dublin, Paris, Amsterdam and Barcelona. Guest passes are available to members for an additional £750 ($970) one-way.

 


Surf Air started flying in California in 2013 using Pilatus PC-12s, and it currently flies up to 90 daily flights to 13 destinations and has signed up 3,000 members. U.S. membership starts at $1,950 per month, which allows booking up to two reservations at a time. Other service levels are available, with the plus level offering up to four reservations at a time and prime allowing six advance bookings. The reservations are for individual seats on the aircraft.

 


Surf Air touts the ability for members to book flights online or using its mobile app “in 30 seconds or less,” and the convenience of departing from and arriving at FBOs instead of airline passenger facilities.

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

Surf Air Announces European Expansion Plan

Surf Air's new European service begins in the fall, and flights will be flown by TAG Aviation (UK).

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.

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

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Jessica Reed

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Amy Wilder

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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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