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

After successfully launching a service that allows pilots to rent airplanes throughout the U.S. without requiring a formal flight checkout at each location, <a href="http://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/aviation-international-news/2013-08-03/openairplane-launch-offers-remote-rental-opportunities">OpenAirplane</a> has now turned to creating a more cohesive charter market for turboprops and light airplanes. Dubbed FlyOtto, it aims to simplify the way clients book charter trips in smaller airplanes.

 


The existing system, predominantly served by charter brokers, “is inherently broken,” asserts OpenAirplane and FlyOtto co-founder Rod Rakic. “It’s a race to the bottom created by brokers.” When a charter client wants to schedule a trip, multiple brokers get involved and quotes fly around the Internet seeking the lowest cost, he said, “and the client ends up in the cheapest, oldest airplane they can afford. That’s a terrible way to do business.”

 


FlyOtto presents a simple interface to charter clients. There is no need for a membership, no initial or recurring fees, just two blank spaces to fill out on the website: the departure and destination locations. FlyOtto then delivers a list of available trips showing the airplane type, trip time and one-way price.

 


For charter operators, FlyOtto is also free, with no charge for listing airplanes. Operators pay FlyOtto only when a trip is confirmed. FlyOtto launched in late July and flew its first trip in mid-August.

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

FlyOtto Aims To Simplify T-prop, Piston Chartering

There is no need for a membership, no initial or recurring fees, just two blank spaces to fill out on its website: the departure and destination locations.

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

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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China’s Sino Jet Expands Charter Fleet with Second G700

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Brokers need to verify operations based on a standard

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Ultra-long-range jet is now available for worldwide charter

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