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

Although the U.S. Court of Appeals, District of Columbia Circuit, denied a petition from NBAA and others arguing for a halt to efforts to shorten the runway and eventually close Santa Monica Airport (SMO), the court did leave open a window of opportunity regarding the settlement agreement between the FAA and the city of Santa Monica.


In its May 4 order denying the motion from the NBAA and SMO businesses Bill's Air Center and Kim Davidson Aviation, and aircraft operators Redgate Partners and Wonderful Citrus (frequent users of SMO), the appeals court denied the motion for a stay and injunction. NBAA and the other parties had sought to challenge the FAA-Santa Monica settlement agreement allowing the city to close the airport after Dec. 31, 2028 and shorten SMO’s 4,973-foot runway to 3,500 feet. However, the appeals court order, according to NBAA, “also refers the case to a merits panel for further review about the legality of the settlement agreement, in the process deferring the FAA’s motion for dismissal of the review.”


According to NBAA president and CEO Ed Bolen, “This order, which recognizes our call to review the underlying case on the settlement agreement, makes clear that the court holds steadfast on the need for a thorough and fair hearing about this unprecedented situation. For decades, NBAA has pursued all potential avenues for preserving business aviation access to Santa Monica Municipal Airport, and we will continue to exercise every remaining option for doing so.”


Meanwhile, the city said it is moving ahead with plans to shorten the runway. “The city will continue to swiftly implement the terms of the consent decree,” said mayor Ted Winterer, “including&nbsp;shortening&nbsp;the runway,&nbsp;and mitigating health and safety impacts on our neighborhoods while the airport is in operation.” The city now estimates that jet traffic at SMO will drop by 45 percent after the runway is shortened; the work is scheduled for completion in December.&nbsp;

New developments at airports including regulations and noise issues; legal disputes; openings, acquisitions and mergers.

Santa Monica Proponents Achieve Settlement Review

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2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

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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.

News and issues relating to international air transport and cargo carriers, national airlines and regional airlines, including aircraft, engines, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security and training.

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.

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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.

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