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

The Send Airtext Iridium satcom system, a lower-cost alternative for airborne connectivity, is now available for installation by Duncan Aviation. Airtext can be used for voice calling, SMS and WhatsApp text messaging, and emails, and it also provides Send’s Oasis moving-map that displays on portable devices or on Send’s bulkhead mounted tablets.
Airtext+ offers all of the above features while the standard Airtext provides the messaging capabilities but not voice calls or email. Both units can handle up to 22 users and they include Send’s FBOLink, D-ATIS, and international weather services. Airtext+ retails for $18,500 and Airtext for $10,950 and service costs $500 per year for the first 2,500 messages and 5 cents per text after that, with voice calls starting at $1.53/minute.
Duncan Aviation has installed Airtext units on company-owned aircraft, including a Pilatus PC-12 and a Cessna Citation XLS and CJ3. According to Duncan Aviation corporate jet captain Michael Kussatz, “Often, during the last few minutes of a flight, when there are a lot of landing-related systems to focus on, we pilots have to shift our focus and notify the FBO of our estimated time of arrival, how many passengers we have aboard, and how many cars we’ll need for them. With Airtext, we can notify the FBO during the cruising portion of the flight, which saves us time and attention when we’re getting ready to land.”

News and developments about everything that goes into the cabin of an aircraft, from floor coverings to headliners, with a special emphasis on in-flight entertainment, communications and other electronics for passengers. If it is in the cabin of an aircraft, it’s covered here.

Duncan Aviation Offering Airtext Iridium Satcom Installations

System offers lower-cost airborne connectivity services

Duncan Aviation has installed Airtext units on company-owned aircraft, including a Pilatus PC-12 and a Cessna Citation XLS and CJ3. 

Duncan Aviation Offering Airtext Satcom Installs

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

Charles Alcock

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 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.

Dubai-based MRO group is approved to install Gogo Galileo and Plane Simple equipment

Gogo Appoints Falcon Technic As Middle East Satcom Dealer

Complaint was filed in 2022 and is related to Gogo's 5G network

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

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

Birmingham-based operator has acquired Alto Aerospace's AOC

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Amy Wilder

Delaware facility to install advanced cabin, auxilliary fuel systems

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Essential news and analysis on the defense aerospace business. Your trusted source for new and ongoing programs and requirements in military aircraft (manned and unmanned), engines, avionics, weapons and associated systems, including ground-based air defense.

Deal expands market for satcom equipment and services in France and Middle East 

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News about commercial airlines, including regulations, aircraft orders, safety, acquisitions, and mergers.

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.

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Gogo Appoints Falcon Technic As Middle East Satcom Dealer

Dubai-based MRO group is approved to install Gogo Galileo and Plane Simple equipment

Gogo Loses SmartSky Lawsuit, Plans To Appeal $23M Award

Complaint was filed in 2022 and is related to Gogo's 5G network

UK Start-up Above Launches Phenom Charter Services

Birmingham-based operator has acquired Alto Aerospace's AOC

Aloft Secures Second Max 8 Interior Project This Year

Delaware facility to install advanced cabin, auxilliary fuel systems

Gogo SD Government Signs Eclipse as Authorized Reseller

Deal expands market for satcom equipment and services in France and Middle East

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Luxury features will be unveiled in an interior design next year

Emirates Set To Offer Starlink on 777 and A380 Airliners

First 777-300ER flight with Starlink high-speed connectivity departs November 23

Action Aviation Orders Gogo Galileo FDX Satcom for BBJ

UAE-based management and charter operator is system’s Middle East launch customer

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