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

After announcing plans to build a manufacturing facility in Florida in May, turbine engine manufacturer Williams International broke ground on the project on October 30. The facility will encompass 1 million sq ft at the Shoal River Industrial Park in Okaloosa County, near Crestview in the Florida panhandle.
More than 150 people including representatives of Florida’s state, county, and local government, helped celebrate the event. The state expects the project to involve capital investment of more than $1 billion. Williams International said the facility enables “the future growth of new product lines,” although it is not known whether than means engines larger than the FJ44 series that powers many light jets.
The first phase of construction is expected to be ready for operation by the end of 2026. Further construction will take place through 2035 to 2036.
“Williams is extremely fortunate to have record demand for our products today, and exponentially growing opportunities for the future,” said John Sordyl, executive v-p of customer experience. “And this new facility, along with the extremely talented workforce in Okaloosa County, is an essential and enabling part of that bright future.”

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

Williams International Celebrates Groundbreaking of Okaloosa County Facility

New manufacturing plant will encompass more than 1 million sq ft

Williams International said the facility enables “the future growth of new product lines,” although it is not known whether than means engines larger than the FJ44 series that powers many light jets.

Williams Celebrates Groundbreaking of Florida Facility

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

Scott Hamilton

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.

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.

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.

RISE engine's RPMs will be less than half of conventional turbofans

CFM Partners Address Blade Out Risks For Open Fan Engines

Charles Alcock

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

Company says it has funding to bring hydrogen propulsion to market from 2030

H2Fly Prepares for More Hydrogen-electric Flight Tests 

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.

Proprietary formula took more than 15 years to develop

GE Explores Dust Effects on Turbine Engine Operations

Kerry Lynch

Sesame engine covers can be installed while standing on ground

Sesame Provides Innovative Cover for Bizjet Engines

Amy Wilder

Trevor Milton, Gregg Williams ink deal at NBAA-BACE 2025

SyberJet Selects Williams FJ44-4A for SJ36 Light Jet

Curt Epstein

The turboprop engines are being assembled in the Czech Republic

GE Aerospace Preps First Catalyst for Denali Delivery

The OEM has switched its production from Global 7500 engines to those for the Model 8000

GE Aerospace Prepares Passports for Global 8000 Liftoff

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.

In this article

Williams International

More In Engines