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.

Business Aviation Services Editor

Curt Epstein

Having experienced strong summer travel demand, European aircraft charter and management provider Axis Aviation analyzed the top destinations chosen by its clients.
Third-quarter fleet movement data showed an uptick in demand for the French Riviera, with Toulon-Hyères and Nice among the most frequented destinations, Axis reported. Paris-Le Bourget also placed highly, confirming France’s position as a leisure and business aviation hub, despite the imposition of a <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/business-aviation/2025-05-01/european-taxes-threaten-business-aviation-viability">solidarity tax</a> in place on business aircraft flights since March.&nbsp;Other destinations favored by European customers include coastal Mediterranean playgrounds such as Mykonos, Santorini, and Tivat.
Axis also reported strong growth in one-way bookings, particularly for popular transatlantic locations such as New York, Miami, and the Bahamas. Gareth Owen, Axis’ head of charter sales, said its clients also continue to favor long-range jets such as the Gulfstream G650 and G550, which offer the comfort and performance needed for longer routes to destinations such as the Miami and the Middle East.
“Despite ongoing political and economic uncertainty worldwide, charter demand remains strong,” said Axis CEO Kerstin Mumenthaler. “Our clients are seeking both leisure escapes and reliable business connections, with destinations across the Middle East and Southern Africa also accounting for a large proportion of charter flights this summer.”

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

After Strong Summer, European Air Charter Operator Analyzes Destinations

Axis Aviation found Mediterranean favorites and long haul charters were in demand

A European charter operator reviewed their top destinations after a busy summer travel season.

European Air Charter Operator Axis Reports Strong Q3

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.

The founder of Marquis Jet and Wheels Up introduces a new venture.

Real Jet: Catching Up with Aviation Entrepreneur Kenny Dichter

Charles Alcock

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

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.

U.S. operator also introduces maintenance data and insurance plan

Jet Out Set To Double Citation CJ4 Gen2 Fleet

Amy Wilder

Company chief said operational transformation is gaining momentum

FlyExclusive Grows Revenue, Improves Utilization

U.S. operator reports international flight increases and larger aircraft demand

Jet Linx Upgrades Ops Center In Response to Flight Growth

Levo Aero brings automation, data tools to Portside’s BART users

Levo Aero, Portside Partner To Integrate Charter Tools

Kerry Lynch

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.

More In Charter & Fractional

Real Jet: Catching Up with Aviation Entrepreneur Kenny Dichter

The founder of Marquis Jet and Wheels Up introduces a new venture.

Jet Out Set To Double Citation CJ4 Gen2 Fleet

U.S. operator also introduces maintenance data and insurance plan

FlyExclusive Grows Revenue, Improves Utilization

Company chief said operational transformation is gaining momentum

Jet Linx Upgrades Ops Center In Response to Flight Growth

U.S. operator reports international flight increases and larger aircraft demand

Levo Aero, Portside Partner To Integrate Charter Tools

Levo Aero brings automation, data tools to Portside’s BART users

Bond To Shake, Not Stir, Fractional Market with $1.7B Bombardier Order

Company to start operations with fleet of Challenger 3500s and Global 6500s

Wholesale Charter Operator BellAir Becomes Jet Excellence

U.S. operator is focused on building fleet of leased Cessna Citation Xs

Luxaviation One Team Will Focus Exclusively on Charter

New division will not offer service with privately-owned, managed aircraft

AIN Products

SUBSCRIPTIONS

RESOURCES

ABOUT AIN