A lifelong aviation enthusiast who joined&nbsp;AIN&nbsp;in 2007, Curt came to&nbsp;the publication&nbsp;from the broadcast industry where he was a national science and technology television reporter and producer. He writes on the FBO field, aviation finance, and sustainable aviation and occasionally contributes to&nbsp;AIN&nbsp;sister publication&nbsp;Business Jet Traveler. Curt was a member of the AINtv reporting staff that won the 2008 Aerospace Journalist of the Year award for Best Airshow Daily. That same year, he was a finalist for another AJOYA award. He earned an AJOYA for Best Business Aviation Submission in 2018 and was a finalist in that category in 2021. He received the National Air Transportation Association’s&nbsp; Aviation Journalist Award in 2012 and won a Pegasus Sapphire Business Aviation Award for outstanding journalism in 2021.
Before joining AIN, Curt worked with&nbsp;Consumer Reports’ television division, CRTV, and for several local television news staffs. An honors graduate of the State University of New York at Stony Brook, he earned a master’s degree in broadcast journalism from Boston University in 1995. Curt lives in New York State with his wife and two young sons.

Senior Editor

Curt Epstein

International private lift provider Vista has received a $600 million&nbsp;investment influx from a consortium of investors led by RRJ Capital, an Asian private equity firm.&nbsp;Expected to close by the end of this month, the investment will optimize Vista Global’s capital structure, enhance its free cash flow, and reduce the company’s debt.
“RRJ is very pleased to become a long-term partner to Vista, the leading private jet company in the world,” said RRJ Capital founder and CEO Richard Ong. “With more than 20 years of industry innovation, and a global presence across all markets, this strategic investment in Vista marks an exciting new chapter in our shared journey.”
RRJ, Andalusian Private Capital, and others in the consortium will join the existing investors, including Rhône Group. Vista noted the capital injection is in line with its commitment to “accelerate deleveraging,” diversify its investor base, and strengthen its financial position
“Today’s announcement is a strong endorsement of our strategy and long-term vision for the future, while also providing us with great partners for years to come,” said Vista founder and chairman Thomas Flohr. “We are excited to welcome RRJ Capital and the rest of the consortium to join our existing, carefully curated investor base, and look forward to working with Richard and the rest of the team to support Vista’s next phase of growth.”

News and issues concerning the aviation charter and fractional-ownership industries and markets, including company announcements, regulations, new developments and labor issues.

Vista Receives  $600M Investment Infusion from Private Equity Consortium

Deal is expected to close by the end of March

Vista has received a major investment influx from a private equity consortium

Vista Receives $600M Investment Infusion from PE Group

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

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.

Similar to a timeshare, you can own a fraction of an aircraft and leave the operation to a third party.

Flying Privately: Is a Fractional Share for You?

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

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Wheels Up Eyes Profits as Fleet Efficiencies Grow Margins

News about simulators and training procedures, as well as workforce.

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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.

New developments at airports including regulations and noise issues; legal disputes; openings, acquisitions and mergers.

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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.

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