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

Cirrus Aircraft held a grand opening of its new innovation center at the company’s Duluth (Minnesota) International Airport headquarters on Tuesday. More than 300 people work at the innovation center, and Cirrus is hiring more technicians and engineers to work at the facility.
Comprising a 189,000-sq-ft building on a 39-acre campus, the innovation center supports Cirrus’ current products and services and is designed to facilitate exploration of future product developments.
The center includes a new integration test lab, a larger materials and processes lab, an upgraded advanced design and development lab, environmental equipment and testing capabilities, and more floor space for development and testing, according to Cirrus.
“These new facilities and capabilities enable our engineers, technicians, and researchers to more rapidly design, develop, and certify our next generation of Cirrus products in a connected, synergetic environment,” said Ken Harness, senior v-p of product development. &nbsp;
“The innovation center is an incredible company milestone that supports the future development and endeavors of Cirrus Aircraft product development,” said CEO Zean Nielsen. He highlighted Cirrus’ continuing investments in the Duluth campus and the city. “We have worked closely with our partners to renovate the building and hire more engineers and technicians to join the new facility in Duluth,” he said.

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.

Cirrus Opens Headquarters Innovation Center in Duluth

New facility enables further product development activity

The innovation center supports Cirrus’ current products and services while exploring future product developments.


Cirrus Opens Headquarters Innovation Center

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

Hanneke Weitering

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.

Assembly of the first 777-8F wing is underway at the airframer's Everett facility

Boeing Commences 777-8 Freighter Production

Charles Alcock

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

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 converted business jets will have electromagnetic attack capability

L3Harris To Equip Electronics Warfare G550s for Italy

Amy Wilder

News and issues concerning general aviation, specifically airplanes and helicopters powered by piston and alternative engines (i.e., non-turbine powered aircraft). Subjects include aircraft, engines, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security and training.

Textron-led effort calls on volunteer pilots

Industry Rallies for 2026 Special Olympics Flights

Lessor of satellites and ground stations looks to emerging aviation tech

Space Leasing Group Orders 25 Beta Alia Electric Aircraft

News and developments about aircraft engines, including turbofan, turboprop, turboshaft and piston.

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

California-based Aviate Enterprises has agreed to buy an unspecified number of the converted light aircraft

Stralis Signs Up U.S. Launch Customer for Hydrogen-powered Bonanza

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.

Magellan provides an in-depth customized view of aircraft ownership costs

Jetcraft Partners with Aero Capital To Offer Magellan

Jessica Reed

Issues regarding financing of aircraft; aviation insurance; tax issues for aircraft operators; new companies and people in the aviation financing and insurance industries.

Post-strike recovery continues as manufacturer ramps production and reports strong aftermarket growth

Textron Aviation 2Q Jet Deliveries Jump 17%

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

NBAA-BACE 2023

In this article

Cirrus Aircraft

More In Aircraft