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 flight activity last month soared 5.3% year over year (YOY) and 4.3% higher month over month, according to the latest TraqPak data from Argus International. Notably, this marks the second-highest month since January 2007, when Argus began tracking business aircraft utilization. Europe also posted its sixth positive month in a row, up 3.1%.
“October did not disappoint from a flight activity standpoint,” said Argus senior v-p, software Travis Kuhn. “This is traditionally the busiest month on the calendar, and this October we recorded the second-busiest month on record. Demand continues to look strong across the board, with the exception of large-cabin Part 135 flying…Some of the strongest days on the calendar year for Part 135 activity will take place over the next eight weeks, and it will be a good barometer to see if our overall growth levels can continue to go higher.”
In North America, October activity was 4.3% higher YOY. Fractionals had the highest results at 10.3%, followed by Part 135 at 4.9%, and Part 91 up 1.4%. The Southern region logged the largest monthly increase, up 23.8% due to the shift in activity as the Northern Hemisphere winter approaches.
For October, aircraft categories that led the growth include midsize jets at 6.2%, small-cabin 5.5%, and large jets 2.1%. For the year, fractional small-cabin jets climbed 14.6% and fractional midsize jets were up 8.9%.
Europe’s recent growth remains positive, and on a YOY basis, it was up 3.1%, reflecting a climb for midsize- and large-cabin jets—3.4% and 8.8%, respectively.
In Africa, Asia, Australia, and South America, the YOY gain was 11%. Turboprops climbed 10%, followed by small-cabin jets, 22.5%; midsize jets, 8.3%; and large-cabins, 8.2%.

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

Argus: October 2025 Is Second-busiest Month Ever for Bizav Flying

In North America, October activity was 7.4% higher than September

Europe’s recent growth remains positive, and on a YOY basis, it was up 3.1%, reflecting a climb for midsize- and large-cabin jets (3.4% and 8.8%, respectively).

Argus: October Was 2nd-busiest Month Ever for Bizav Flying

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

Amy Wilder

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.

Highlights include sustainable growth and future aircraft vision

Embraer Exec Jets Chief: Wealth, Demand Driving Expansion

Charles Alcock

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

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.

EBAA France says "solidarity tax" poses a threat to the French charter sector

French Business Aviation Group Demands Flight Tax Reform

Speakers highlight risks, integration challenges, the importance of relationships

CJI Miami Panelists Dissect Scale, Culture in Bizav M&A

Charlotte Bailey

Discounted safety-focused software and services available to members  

Aeronautical Data Systems Joins Starr Safety Partnership

News and issues relating to the aerospace industry that are related to the science, engineering and business of flight in space involving civil, industrial and military applications, and similar topics related to flight in the atmosphere of the Earth that are not covered more directly by other AINonline subject channels. In other words, both astronautical and aeronautical subjects, except for those aeronautical topics that are specifically covered elsewhere on this website.

Appointments finalize leadership before aerospace separation

Honeywell Sets 2026 Aerospace Spinoff Leadership Team

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.

Increased deliveries of executive jets was a third quarter highlight

Productivity Gains Boost Embraer Revenues to $2 Billion

News and developments about aircraft engines, including turbofan, turboprop, turboshaft and piston.

In this article

More In Finance, Taxes, Insurance

Embraer Exec Jets Chief: Wealth, Demand Driving Expansion

Highlights include sustainable growth and future aircraft vision

French Business Aviation Group Demands Flight Tax Reform

EBAA France says "solidarity tax" poses a threat to the French charter sector

CJI Miami Panelists Dissect Scale, Culture in Bizav M&A

Speakers highlight risks, integration challenges, the importance of relationships

Aeronautical Data Systems Joins Starr Safety Partnership

Discounted safety-focused software and services available to members

Honeywell Sets 2026 Aerospace Spinoff Leadership Team

Appointments finalize leadership before aerospace separation

Productivity Gains Boost Embraer Revenues to $2 Billion

Increased deliveries of executive jets was a third quarter highlight

Beta IPO Seeks Backing for Growing Electric Aircraft Family

New York Stock Exchange IPO chases $1 billion equity sale

IADA Q3 Data Shows Growing Market Optimism

Bonus depreciation, low inventory drive confidence gains

AIN Products

SUBSCRIPTIONS

RESOURCES

ABOUT AIN