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

JetSuiteX has selected SmartSky Networks to provide airborne connectivity services for its fleet of Embraer ERJ-135s that fly to seven destinations in California and Nevada, using private terminals. JetSuiteX currently is equipped with Gogo connectivity; its JetSuite business jet charter fleet is also Gogo equipped, but will remain with the Gogo setup.

 


SmartSky’s network, which will cover the contiguous U.S., will be available for the launch of service with JetSuiteX in late summer, according to SmartSky. The onboard connectivity service will be rolled out in phases until the entire fleet is SmartSky-equipped.

 


JetSuiteX co-founder and CEO Alex Wilcox evaluated the SmartSky service in flight as part of the selection process. “We chose SmartSky’s high-speed technology because it delivers the most compelling user experience,” he said.

 


The SmartSky service deploys “a mix of 4G LTE and emerging 5G technologies,” according to the company, allowing users to stream video, send and receive emails with attachments, and transmit large data files.

 


SmartSky is in discussions with companies to develop the supplemental type certificate (STC) for the ERJ-135 installation but hasn’t yet announced which company has been selected. The STC will be available for other ERJ-135 operators, according to SmartSky.

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.

SmartSky Signs JetSuiteX for Air-to-ground Service

The SmartSky airborne connectivity service will be available for JetSuiteX customers in late summer. 

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.

Flight-tracking service is available for display on passengers' devices

FlightPath3D and Gogo Extend Bizav Partnership

News and issues relating to the aerospace industry that are related to the science, engineering and business of flight in space involving civil, industrial and military applications, and similar topics related to flight in the atmosphere of the Earth that are not covered more directly by other AINonline subject channels. In other words, both astronautical and aeronautical subjects, except for those aeronautical topics that are specifically covered elsewhere on this website.

The German company is taking a new approach to aerospace display technology.

Zeiss Microoptics Brings New Display Tech to Aircraft Cabin, Cockpit

Charles Alcock

New developments and products in avionics, specifically about aircraft electronics in the cockpit.

ProSight technology is being demonstrated at the Farnborough Airshow

Zeiss Debuts New Approach to Cockpit and Cabin Displays 

Expands company’s offerings for high-speed, global connectivity

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New service plans distinguish between a single area and global coverage

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Amy Wilder

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.

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HDX antenna installed under the tail-mounted radome

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System is FAA- and EASA-certified

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