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

First-time MEBAA show exhibitor MKTE (Stand 207) is here promoting its array of global trading and aircraft support services to Middle East business aviation operators. MKTE is highlighting how its one-stop-shop capabilities can benefit new customers in addition to its existing base of military and government operators. Its largest line of business is military, “but we want to expand in business aviation,” said MKTE CEO Mustafa Altork. “This is a good industry to be in.”

 


Altork, an aircraft engineer trained in the UK, founded MKTE in 2008 in Jordan, pulling together a consortium of partners that together help keep aircraft in the air earning money instead of tied up on the ground during maintenance events. “That’s the main joy, when you see the airplanes in the sky,” he said. “The less they are on the ground, the more money they can make. We’re your trusted partner; we deal with the dirty work, you just fly.”

 


MKTE’s services range from supplying engines and auxiliary power units (APUs) to rotables (life-limited parts and LRUs). It also can do repair management; aircraft leasing; maintenance service management; parts supply; ground service; and airport support.

 


Among MKTE’s consortium partners are helicopter services provider Heli-One, engine manufacturer and MRO company Industria de Turbo Propulsores, Seattle Aero, a parts and services provider, and TAG Aero, which offers APU and airframe MRO services. MKTE is also launching a new company, Elite Wing, on January 1st. The new company will be the largest chemical supplier in the Middle East, according to Altork, offering all of the products needed by aircraft operators, from greases and oils to cleaning fluids and more.

 


MKTE is approved to trade with International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) products. “We take full responsibility [for ITAR compliance],” he said.

 


Some of MKTE’s long-standing customers include royal flight operations in the Middle East, which require 24/7 support. “There are several royal flights that we are in charge of,” Altork said. “They need a company that can handle their requirements on the spot.”

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.

MKTE Brings One-stop Shop to Middle East Operators

The Jordan-based service provider is a first-time exhibitor at the MEBAA show.

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.

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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

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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.

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Summit Highlights St. Louis Aero MRO and Manufacturing

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

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

Duncan Adds Gogo 5G to Company Citation Excel

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Textron operates service centers in Melbourne, Perth, and Gold Coast

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The Kansas-based company specializes in modifying airframes

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