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

AIN today announced the winners of the inaugural 2020 Top Flight Awards, which recognize the best and the brightest in business aviation and honor creativity and innovation in design and technology as well as quality and passion in business aviation services and people.
<a href="http://https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/business-aviation/2021-01-04/top-flight-awards-2020-winners">The 2020 categories and winners are </a>New Jet: Bombardier Global 5500/6500; New Turboprop: Pilatus PC-12 NGX; New Helicopter: Airbus H160; Technology: Industry bands together to meet the ADS-B deadline; New FBO Facility: Sheltair Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport; Training: Rolls-Royce virtual reality; Charter/Fractional/Jet Card Innovation: Wheels Up; Hero of the Year: Business aviation’s response to Covid-19; Sustainability: The Business Aviation Coalition for Sustainable Aviation Fuel; and Contribution to Safety: Garmin Autoland.
Each year, AIN editors will conduct the Top Flight Awards, with the nominees announced online on December 1 and in AIN’s December print issue and the winners revealed online on or about January 1 and in the January issue. AIN is also highlighting the winners via a <a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/aintvonline/videos">series of videos</a>.
The main criteria for qualifying as nominees for Top Flight Awards include service entry, in the case of new aircraft, or availability, for products and services, during the applicable time period, from October 1 through September 30. The nominees also must illustrate something new and unique such as improved safety and performance, contributions to aviation or public benefit, and more.

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.

AIN Top Flight Award Winners Unveiled

The winners of the inaugural AIN Top Flight Awards represent the best in business aviation. 

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News and information on safety procedures and concerns.

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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 aircraft engines, including turbofan, turboprop, turboshaft and piston.

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.

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.

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News about commercial airlines, including regulations, aircraft orders, safety, acquisitions, and mergers.

News about environmental issues relating to aircraft operations, including noise issues, emissisions, and regulations. See Fuel for biofuel.

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