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

Bell Textron recently announced sales of three Bell 429 light twin-engine helicopters for VIP operations in Europe. The trio of buyers will operate the 429s in the UK and Estonia.
“We continue to see a growing demand for our corporate-configured aircraft in region, especially with the Bell 429,” said Robin Wendling, Bell’s managing director for Europe. “The Bell 429 combines speed, comfort, and luxury, which are three things that are especially ideal for our corporate and VIP customers. We look forward to working with our three new operators as they expand their fleets with this exceptional platform.”
More than 500 Bell 429 GlobalRangers have been delivered, and they have collectively logged more than 735,000 hours. With a flat-floor 204-cu-ft cabin, the 429 can accommodate up to seven people. Maximum cruise speed is 155 knots, and at long-range cruise, the 429 can fly for 4.5 hours and 411 nm.

News and issues regarding all manner of civil and military rotorcraft and their powerplants, including helicopters, tilt rotors and unmanned air vehicles.

Bell Sells Three 429 GlobalRangers to UK, Estonia VIP Operators

VIP interior can accommodate up to seven passengers

With a flat-floor 204-cu-ft cabin, the 429 can accommodate up to seven people. 

Bell Sells Three 429s to UK, Estonia VIP Operators

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

Charlotte Bailey

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.

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.

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News and information on safety procedures and concerns.

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.

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New developments and products in avionics, specifically about aircraft electronics in the cockpit.

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.

European Spotlight with Aero Friedrichshafen 2026

In this article

Bell 429

Bell

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