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 HondaJet Elite II is now type validated in Brazil, and Honda Aircraft has delivered the first of these latest very light jets to a customer in the country. An Elite II is on display this week at HondaJet-authorized sales representative Lider Aviação at LABACE 2026 at São Paulo Campo de Marte Airport (SBMT).
Featuring Garmin’s Emergency Autoland, the Elite II is equipped with autothrottles that ease pilot workload in busy airspace and Garmin G3000 avionics. Ground spoilers improve takeoff and landing performance, and Honda Aircraft increased the jet’s four-passenger NBAA IFR range to 1,547 nm. The Elite II was unveiled in October 2022.&nbsp;
The HondaJet’s over-the-wing-engine-mount design allows for a larger cabin while maximizing high-speed cruise efficiency. With an enclosed lavatory and seats for up to eight occupants, the Elite II can cruise at up to 422 knots.
“This delivery underscores Honda Aircraft Company’s commitment to building a global fleet presence while delivering meaningful value to customers worldwide,” said Amod Kelkar, senior v-p and chief commercial officer. “The enhanced features of the Elite II will enable customers in Brazil and across South America to travel farther, more efficiently, and with an elevated level of comfort.”

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.

HondaJet Elite II Notches ANAC Nod, First Brazil Delivery

Very light jet has a maximum cruise speed of 422 knots

Featuring Garmin’s Emergency Autoland, the Elite II is equipped with autothrottles that ease pilot workload in busy airspace and a Garmin G3000 avionics suite. 

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

Kerry Lynch

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.

Deal to close this year

Bombardier To Grow Manufacturing Capacity with MHICA Buy

David Donald

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.

The two NATO allies will purchase seven of the tanker/transport aircraft

Spain and Poland Agree to Buy A330MRTT Tanker Transports

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

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.

GE Aerospace has tested the GE9X, Leap 1A, Leap 1B, and more with the 747.

GE Aerospace Flies Boeing 747 To Test New Engine Tech

Charles Alcock

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

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

City officials and a local university are working with manufacturer Electra 

Helsinki Evaluates Hybrid-electric Flight Connections

Platform offers 100 kilogram payload and 300 nm range 

Zuri Prepares to Fly Hybrid-electric Cargo Drone 

Broker says new aircraft production rates and tax changes are key drivers

Jetcraft Bullish on Preowned Business Aircraft Market

Amy Wilder

Aircraft flew Jacksonville to San Diego nonstop

SyberJet SJ30-2 Sets Unofficial Transcontinental Record

Hanneke Weitering

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

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

LABACE 2026

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