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

Charles Alcock

News and issues about aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), covering all segments of the aviation industry; and modifications for aircraft and engines. Subjects include product support of aircraft, engines and avionics, MRO company mergers, acquisitions, announcements and personnel, Airworthiness Directives, Supplemental Type Certificate approvals and other topics.

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.

Design was honored in the aviation category of the recent 2025 Elite Awards

Jet Aviation’s Cirrus Cabin Concept Wins Design Award

Switching to the C-1 system extends life of older connectivity product

Omni Offers No-cost Gogo Upgrade for Classic ATG System

Kerry Lynch

Company is nearing flight trials of the 5G service

Gogo Terrestrial Trials Validating 5G Performance

Amy Wilder

Skyside Global 5000 first to receive the installation

EASA Grants STC for Galileo HDX on Bombardier Globals

FAA approval of the AeroMech mod expands the number of covered jets

STC Issued for Citation Latitude Starlink Upgrade

System provides access to Eutelsat OneWeb satellite network

Dassault Obtains STC for Gogo Galileo in Falcon 2000

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.

Starshield system provides real-time connectivity for military missions

Phoenix Air Installs Government Starlink on Learjet

Sarah Rose

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.

In this article

King Air 300 Series

King Air 200 Series

King Air 90/100 Series

SmartSky Networks

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