Kerry Lynch stepped into the role of editor of the&nbsp;Aviation International News&nbsp;monthly magazine in May 2022 after serving with&nbsp;AIN&nbsp;for eight years. She joined&nbsp;AIN&nbsp;in December 2014 as a senior editor covering Washington and business aviation news. She has also served on Convention News teams, including as editor of&nbsp;HAI Convention News. Lynch previously spent 25 years with Aviation Week. During her time there, she reported for and later steered&nbsp;The Weekly of Business Aviation, oversaw business aviation content on the&nbsp;Aviation Week Intelligence Network, served on the&nbsp;Show News&nbsp;staff, and held roles as the Washington columnist for&nbsp;Business &amp; Commercial Aviation&nbsp;and&nbsp;Overhaul &amp; Maintenance&nbsp;monthly magazines. In 2021 she was honored with the National Business Aviation Association Platinum Wing Award for lifetime achievement in journalism and was the 2004 recipient of the National Air Transportation Association’s Aviation Journalism Excellence Award. She also has been a recipient of an Aerospace Media Award for business aviation (2022) and NBAA Gold Wing Award (2003, 2024). Lynch graduated from The Ohio State University with a bachelor of arts in journalism.

Editor, AIN monthly magazine

Kerry Lynch

A little more than four years after launching its business, private aviation provider Wheels Up has built a fleet of 78 Beechcraft King Air 350is and Cessna Citation Excel/XLSs and is approaching 4,000 members, but is setting its sights on a 100-aircraft fleet by the end of next year and 10,000 members by the end of 2020. And, all the while, the company is positioning itself to go public in the next year or two.

 


CEO and co-founder Kenny Dichter said the company has remained on track with its business plan—“we are where we thought we’d be four years ago”—but sees substantial opportunity for growth. Noting an anticipated run rate of $300 million this year, the company has the potential to become a billion-plus-dollar business, he said. Dichter credited his team and strong partnerships with Textron Aviation and its fleet operator, Gama Aviation, for paving the way for growth. He also noted the success of the King Air, describing it as a "workhorse."

 


The company in late June closed on a credit facility that “locked in our ability to take our next 17 King Airs.” The company further is eying expansion into Western Europe, first from its Flight Desk digital platform—which connects its members with “partner” aircraft—and then with the King Air program. A decision on the latter is anticipated by early next year.

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

Wheels Up Eyeing 100-aircraft Fleet By End of 2018

Plans are to go public in the next 12 to 24 months.

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

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

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