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

Business aviation consulting firm VanAllen has acquired Essex Aviation, a specialist in business aircraft transactions, charter, fractional ownership, membership and card programs, and financing.
Led by founder and CEO Lee Rohde, the Essex Aviation team has been advising clients about VanAllen’s travel solutions for a decade. The two companies share an “unwavering commitment to creating value for their clients,” according to VanAllen. “That alignment made this acquisition an easy decision and an exciting step forward for both teams and the clients they serve.”
“Our number-one core value is doing good for our clients,” said VanAllen CEO Jeff Agur.&nbsp;“Lee and the Essex team embody that same principle. We’ve admired their work for years, and we’re thrilled to bring our expertise together in a way that multiplies the good we offer to our clients and the business aviation community.”
The combination of the two companies will strengthen VanAllen’s capabilities, which include strategic planning, aircraft transactions, operational best practices, and leadership development.
“This is not a conclusion of Essex’s long history,” said Rohde. “It’s a continuation, an expansion. Our clients will benefit from even broader capabilities, while still receiving the same honest, unbiased advice they’ve come to expect and deserve. Jeff and I have a shared vision to create value through strategic, holistic consulting. Now we get to build that vision together.”

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

VanAllen Acquires Business Aviation Specialist Essex Aviation

Combination strengthens consulting services offered by both companies

The acquisition will strengthen VanAllen’s capabilities: strategic planning, aircraft transactions, operational best practices, and leadership development.

VanAllen Acquires Bizav Specialist Essex Aviation

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

Jessica Reed

News and developments about aviation fuel, including jet fuel, aviation gasoline, and biofuel.

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

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.

Miller Stallings is principal and v-p of sales and business development manager at Titan Aerospace Insurance

Titan’s Miller Stallings Joins NBAA’s Top 40 under 40

Amy Wilder

Book outlines major steps, costs, and potential pitfalls

Duncan Aviation Updates Business Jet Buyer/Seller Guide

Charles Alcock

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

Tax on jet-A fuel would apply to all aircraft with fewer than 19 seats

EBAA and GAMA Oppose New European Aviation Fuel Tax

Kerry Lynch

The tie-up brings together long-time legal and tax consulting practices

Lapayowker To Buy Aviation Financial Consulting

Curt Epstein

New functionality will be demonstrated at NBAA-BACE 2025

Amstat Enhances Premier+ Aircraft Broker Platform

Large-cabin demand returns as buyers refocus globally

Preowned Jet Market Stabilizes into Fourth Quarter

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 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.

U.S. start-up shares plans to expand its portfolio 

Beta Set for IPO with Plans for More Electric Aircraft

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.

NBAA-BACE 2025

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