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

SC Aviation, a wholly owned affiliate of Colony Brands, has purchased Heartland Aviation, expanding both Wisconsin companies’ aircraft charter, management, and maintenance services across the U.S. upper Midwest. SC Aviation is based in Janesville, while Heartland’s headquarters are in Eau Claire.
Following the acquisition, SC Aviation plans to expand by adding more aircraft in Eau Claire. The SC Aviation fleet includes Bombardier Challenger 300/350s; Dassault Falcon 2000s and a 7X; and Hawker 750s, 800s, and 850s.&nbsp;
“We’re excited to welcome Heartland Aviation’s team and customers into the SC Aviation family,” said&nbsp;v-p and general manager Adam Singer. “Heartland Aviation has built a strong reputation in the Eau Claire region, and this acquisition allows us to combine that local expertise with SC Aviation’s resources and network to better&nbsp;serve our customers throughout the upper Midwest.”
“Heartland Aviation has been built on relationships, and when I looked at who could give this operation the best platform to grow, SC Aviation was the clear answer,” said Nick Fancher, president and CEO of Heartland Aviation. “We share the same commitment to doing things right and the same vision for what aviation in this region can become. I am proud of what this team has built, and I look forward to continuing to work with SC Aviation to grow and expand.”

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

SC Aviation Buys Charter/Management Firm Heartland Aviation

Combined companies will serve clients in the upper Midwest

The SC Aviation fleet includes Bombardier Challenger 300/350s, Dassault Falcon 2000s and a 7X, and Hawker 750s, 800s, and 850s. 

SC Aviation Acquires Wisconsin’s Heartland Aviation

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

Jessica Reed

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 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.

Program launches with HondaJet HA-420 and Bombardier Challenger 3500

Honda Aircraft Unit Backs Thrive Fractional Jet Program

Amy Wilder

Elite Jets, MaxAir keep names, add Priester co-brand

Priester Aviation Unifies Companies under One Brand

Program lets non-members compare pricing before booking

BlueSky Extends Pricing Access to Non-members

Hourly rates range from turboprops to VIP airliners

Paramount Business Jets Guide Details 2026 Charter Rates

Kerry Lynch

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.

Brokers need to verify operations based on a standard

ACA Forum Probes Broker Role in Fighting Illegal Charter

ACA is hosting its second U.S. forum as membership grows

ACA Forum Explores Changing Role of Air Charter Brokers with AI

Ultra-long-range jet is now available for worldwide charter

FAI Grows Charter Fleet with Second Global 6000 Bizjet

Charles Alcock

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

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