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

Honda Aircraft is taking another step toward the possible launch of a new model based on the 2600 “concept jet”&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/business-aviation/2021-10-12/honda-aircraft-unveils-2600-concept-jet">unveiled</a> at NBAA-BACE 2021. The North Carolina-based aircraft manufacturer is planning a meeting with suppliers next month&nbsp;to discuss possible opportunities on the program, Honda Aircraft president and CEO Hideto Yamasaki told AIN last week at EBACE 2023.
Exploration of the 2600 jet continues but a decision on commercialization of the program has not yet been made, he said at the business aviation show in Geneva.
The 2600 is a larger twinjet sharing the same over-the-wing-engine-mount configuration of the in-production HA-420 HondaJet very light jet. With a midsize-jet cabin, the 2600 could seat up to 11 occupants and fly a transcontinental range of 2,625 nm. Maximum cruise speed would be 450 knots and maximum altitude FL470. Compared to the HA-420, the 2600 cabin will be more oval-shaped and 4.5 inches taller at 62.5 inches and one inch wider at 61 inches. The mockup of the 2600 at NBAA-BACE&nbsp;2021 was shown with the same Garmin G3000 avionics as the HA-420.
A key change on the 2600, if it is launched, will be to lower the costs of production by tapping parent company Honda Motor Co. talent and facilities, Yamasaki explained. “The HA-420 is quite costly. We want to work as a team on new things. We do have assets that can be incorporated.”

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.

HondaJet 2600 Light Business Jet May Be Nearing Launch Decision

The HondaJet 2600 "Concept" could become Honda Aircraft's next program, and a launch decision may be made soon.

HondaJet 2600 May Be Nearing Launch Decision

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.

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