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

Southern Sky Aviation, the lone FBO at Mississippi’s Trent Lott International Airport (KPQL), has opened a new U.S. Customs facility, designating the airport as a point of entry.
Southern Sky’s onsite customs clearance—housed within a newly renovated building—now allows international arrivals to bypass the long lines and congestion often associated with larger airports, and also enables the clearance of foreign nationals. The company is a participant in the U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s (CBP) Reimbursable Services Program, enabling it to provide 24/7 service. In the past, customs at KPQL had been limited to on-request clearance, only during business hours on weekdays.
CPB’s “presence transforms KPQL into a true port of entry and positions our airport to serve international aviation operations with professionalism, security, and southern hospitality service,” said Southern Sky president of FBO operations Darryl Brewer.
The Avfuel-branded FBO specializes in quick turns and comprehensive ground handling for large aircraft, along with cargo and freight loading/unloading, and onsite maintenance.&nbsp;The facility has 67,000 sq ft of hangar space, capable of accommodating a Gulfstream G650. To further enhance its operational capabilities, construction is underway on 121,500 sq ft of additional ramp space, including a second connector point that will enhance fuel transfer.

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

Mississippi’s Trent Lott International Airport Is Now a Point of Entry

New Southern Sky Aviation facility enhances international travel at KPQL

With the opening of Southern Sky Aviation’s new customs facility, Mississippi’s Trent Lott International Airport is now finally a U.S. point of entry.

Mississippi Airport Now Offers Full U.S. Customs Service

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.

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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.

NBAA Schedulers & Dispatchers 2026

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