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

Visitors to the MEBAA 2016 show can learn about some unusually innovative business jet interior offerings at Ruag Aviation’s stand (705). The “Enterprise” interior design, shown in photos mounted in real-life size, is completely unlike the typical sandy or biscuit colors found in many standard interiors from business aircraft manufacturers, according to Mark-André Mann, head of sales, business jets, for Ruag.

 


The company’s Oberpfaffenhofen MRO facility in Germany is a one-stop shop for business aircraft MRO as well as interior upgrades, airframe painting, cabin entertainment systems and avionics upgrades. “We see growth in this area,” said Mann, “and we have increased our staff to give our customers opportunities to [do business] with different Ruag facilities.” The company has also leveraged modern efficiency tools and cross-training of technicians to significantly lower downtime for large jobs, in some cases by as much as 50 percent.

 


Ruag’s specialty is larger business jets, including those manufactured by Embraer (Legacy 600/650) and Bombardier (Globals and Challengers). This year Ruag added line and base maintenance for Gulfstream’s G550.

 


Personalized Aircraft

 


When it comes to interior design, Ruag can help aircraft owners turn their business jet into a unique representation of their personalities and interests, almost like a flying business card, Mann explained. “This market is going into a more individual direction,” he said. “And that’s why we’re here. We want to contact owners and let them know what is possible.”

 


The “Enterprise” design is a good example, with a flush-mounted 60-inch bulkhead monitor mounted in a way that makes it look like the large display forms the structure of the wall. The backs of the passenger seats in this interior are fitted with LED lights in a stripe formation, accentuating their shape. The surface of the table between the club seats is actually a touchscreen display, reminiscent of the huge touch-table display that plays a prominent (and not-so-subtle promotional) role in the current version of the “Hawaii Five-O” television show. Stars—naturally—dot the ceiling of the “Enterprise” interior, and LEDs provide easily adjustable mood lighting. Another photo shows a privacy glass concept, where an entire wall of glass panels can be switched from clear to an opaque white color.

 


“Every region has a special taste,” Mann said, and potential customers are invited to visit Ruag’s Oberpfaffenhofen showroom to help design their own special interior.

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.

Ruag Presents Innovative “Enterprise” Interior

Ruag Aviation’s “Enterprise” interior design is completely unlike the typical sandy or biscuit colors found in many standard interiors.

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

Stevens Aerospace Joins Epic Aircraft Service Network

Executives share their experience with system

Duncan Adds Gogo 5G to Company Citation Excel

Charles Alcock

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.

More In Maintenance and Modifications

Summit Highlights St. Louis Aero MRO and Manufacturing

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

Building Interiors at Yingling Aviation

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

Stevens Aerospace Joins Epic Aircraft Service Network

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

Duncan Adds Gogo 5G to Company Citation Excel

Executives share their experience with system

Australian Regulator Approves Textron Service Centers

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

C&L Aerospace Tapped for Challenger Flutter Damper Mx

The company was selected by OEM Héroux-Devtek

Avcon Delivers Aerial Weapon in Florida Mosquito Fight

The Kansas-based company specializes in modifying airframes

Duncan Aviation Authorized for Honeywell APU Repairs

MRO’s Lincoln facility expects to bring work online in early 2027

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