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

Beechcraft King Air 300, 350, and 360 series

Beechcraft King Air 200, 250, and 260 Series

Matt Thurber

SmartSky Networks next-generation air-to-ground (ATG) network provides an unmatched connected experience inflight for both cabin and crew.

The FAA has issued a supplemental type certificate (STC) for installation of the SmartSky Lite air-to-ground connectivity system on King Air B200s through 360s. The first-article SmartSky Lite installation on the turboprop twin series was done by Davinci Jets Services in a King Air 350i. The Davinci Jets MRO division is equipping most of the company’s managed aircraft fleet with SmartSky systems.
So far, Davinci Jets Services has completed SmartSky installations on a Cessna Citation CJ4 and Latitude and Pilatus PC-12, along with the King Air 350i. SmartSky has installed first-article systems on four other aircraft models that are undergoing the STC process, and six more are in progress. STCs now cover more than 6,000 in-service aircraft, according to SmartSky, and once the in-progress projects are completed, that will add another 10,000 aircraft to those that are STC’d.&nbsp;
“Receiving this STC marks significant progress in the SmartSky STC lineup and in delivering our high-performance solution to a series of aircraft that has long been underserved by inflight connectivity,” said SmartSky CEO David Helfgott. “The pilots and passengers of this aircraft are absolutely delighted with the ability to connect to whatever is most important, without limitations.”
SmartSky’s coverage area includes the continental U.S. and parts of the Gulf of Mexico.

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 Lite Connectivity System Approved for King Air B200 through 360

Approval adds thousands of airplanes to the STC approval list

The first-article SmartSky Lite installation on a King Air was done by Davinci Jets Services in a King Air 350i. 

SmartSky Lite Approved for King Air B200 through 360

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

Amy Wilder

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.

FAA approval expected by end of October

Stevens Finalizes Gogo Galileo HDX STC for King Air

Delaware facility to handle full interior completion

Aloft To Complete VVIP Cabin on BBJ Max 8

Curt Epstein

The full-color-palette LED system boasts several advantages

Aircraft Lighting Int’l Shows STC’ed Cabin Lights

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.

Noise settings adapt to every cockpit environment

Bose Continues Quest for Comfort, Clarity, and Quiet

Company has developed six Starlink STCs this year

FAA Approves Starlink for Citation Latitude, Longitude

Charles Alcock

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.

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

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.

Comlux America will outfit six leased A220s and a pair of A321s for the start-up

Magnifica Air Turns to Comlux for VIP Airbuses

Jessica Reed

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

In this article

King Air 300 Series

King Air 200 Series

King Air 90/100 Series

SmartSky Networks

More In Cabin Interior and Electronics

Stevens Finalizes Gogo Galileo HDX STC for King Air

FAA approval expected by end of October

Aloft To Complete VVIP Cabin on BBJ Max 8

Delaware facility to handle full interior completion

Aircraft Lighting Int’l Shows STC’ed Cabin Lights

The full-color-palette LED system boasts several advantages

Bose Continues Quest for Comfort, Clarity, and Quiet

Noise settings adapt to every cockpit environment

FAA Approves Starlink for Citation Latitude, Longitude

Company has developed six Starlink STCs this year

Magnifica Air Turns to Comlux for VIP Airbuses

Comlux America will outfit six leased A220s and a pair of A321s for the start-up

Falcon 7Xs Get Netflix-ready Venue 4K Smart Monitors

Venue smart monitor integrated with Airshow HD will enter service on a Dassault Falcon 7X in November

Honeywell Inks JetWave X Deal with Gulfstream

First installations of the new high-speed KA-band system are expected next year

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