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

Developments in the new advanced air mobility (AAM) sector are accelerating, aided by new sources of funding, raising the question of how traditional business aviation and AAM will fit together.

 


At NBAA-BACE, October 12-14 in Las Vegas, exhibitors will be&nbsp;seeking answers to these questions at the show's dedicated AAM &amp; Emerging Technologies Zone. Despite the proliferation of AAM start-ups, just five eVTOL aircraft developers will be present, touting their varying designs.

 


Although Airbus appears to have shifted its future propulsion priorities to plans for hydrogen-powered airliners through its ZeroE program, it may also bring an eVTOL to market, possibly through its Airbus Helicopters division.

 


Last year, Boeing closed its Boeing NeXt advanced technology incubator, which had been the fulcrum for its work on eVTOL aircraft. However, the company still is committed to the AAM sector and is a shareholder in eVTOL developer Wisk, along with Kitty Hawk, which is exhibiting at the show.

 


XTI Aircraft has previously exhibited at NBAA shows and clearly views the business aviation sector as part of the target market for its hybrid-electric TriFan 600 VTOL aircraft. In June, the Colorado-based company announced a joint venture with Xeriant Aerospace through which it aims to bring the model to market by the end of 2024.

 


Jaunt Air Mobility is developing a family of VTOL aircraft and expects to start test flights with a full-scale prototype in 2023 and achieve production in 2026.

 


Samad Aerospace recently completed hover tests with the second subscale prototype of its hybrid-electric eStarling eVTOL aircraft.

 


Noticeable by their absence from the NBAA show are apparent eVTOL aircraft front&nbsp;runners (in terms of funding and progress with development work)&nbsp;such as Joby, Archer, Vertical Aerospace, Volocopter, and Lilium.

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.

Advanced Air Mobility Sector Debuts at NBAA-BACE

At the NBAA-BACE dedicated AAM & Emerging Technologies Zone, advanced air mobility exhibitors will be promoting their futuristic aircraft.

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

Hanneke Weitering

Two captains held the prototype 33 feet above the water for 30 seconds

Regent Flies Electric Seaglider with Crew for First Time

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 information on safety procedures and concerns.

Icing approval would open year-round service to northern communities

Horizon Begins Icing Tests for Cavorite X7 eVTOL

Kerry Lynch

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.

Deal to close this year

Bombardier To Grow Manufacturing Capacity with MHICA Buy

David Donald

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.

The two NATO allies will purchase seven of the tanker/transport aircraft

Spain and Poland Agree to Buy A330MRTT Tanker Transports

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.

GE Aerospace has tested the GE9X, Leap 1A, Leap 1B, and more with the 747.

GE Aerospace Flies Boeing 747 To Test New Engine Tech

Charles Alcock

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.

More In Aircraft

Regent Flies Electric Seaglider with Crew for First Time

Two captains held the prototype 33 feet above the water for 30 seconds

Horizon Begins Icing Tests for Cavorite X7 eVTOL

Icing approval would open year-round service to northern communities

Bombardier To Grow Manufacturing Capacity with MHICA Buy

Deal to close this year

Spain and Poland Agree to Buy A330MRTT Tanker Transports

The two NATO allies will purchase seven of the tanker/transport aircraft

GE Aerospace Flies Boeing 747 To Test New Engine Tech

GE Aerospace has tested the GE9X, Leap 1A, Leap 1B, and more with the 747.

Helsinki Evaluates Hybrid-electric Flight Connections

City officials and a local university are working with manufacturer Electra

Zuri Prepares to Fly Hybrid-electric Cargo Drone

Platform offers 100 kilogram payload and 300 nm range

Jetcraft Bullish on Preowned Business Aircraft Market

Broker says new aircraft production rates and tax changes are key drivers

AIN Products

SUBSCRIPTIONS

RESOURCES

ABOUT AIN