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

During Paragon Aviation Group’s recent 2025 Success Meeting, members of the FBO network group shared strategies and discussed industry challenges and raising service benchmarks. Paragon members gathered for three days at Aero Air, a full-service FBO, maintenance provider, and charter/management company based at Hillsboro Airport near Portland, Oregon.
Karl Kamps, v-p at Aircare International, spoked about best practices for flight crew support and preparedness models based on his military combat medic and civil safety experience. During a session on ground-service equipment (GSE), Jared Marshall, GSE optimization specialist and sales manager at Aero Specialties, explained the benefits of efficient equipment management and GSE rental. This can significantly improve ramp operations and deliver lower equipment downtime, he explained.
Corvis Partners founder and data expert Mike Ficklin “shared cutting-edge methods for using operational analytics and customer intelligence to enhance service delivery and decision-making,” according to Paragon.
To help Paragon members better understand how the AIN FBO Survey works, AIN engagement strategist Michelle James gave a presentation about the survey that highlighted strategies FBOs can use to level up their service and gain improvements in user ratings.
“Our network doesn’t just adapt, we lead,” said Crystal Kubeczka, president of Paragon Aviation Group. “This meeting isn’t just a touch point. It’s a launchpad, where strategic minds align to challenge norms, raise benchmarks, and elevate what FBO service should look like.”

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

FBOs Share Strategies at Paragon Aviation Group Success Meeting

Experts led workshops to help members elevate service levels

Paragon members gathered for three days at Aero Air, a full-service FBO, maintenance provider, and charter/management company based at Hillsboro Airport.

FBOs Share Strategies at Paragon Success Meeting

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

Curt Epstein

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.

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The $15 million project nearly triples the facility at KGSP

South Carolina Airport Upgrades FBO Cerulean Aviation

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

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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.

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