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

Bombardier manufactures a variety of business aircraft models, provides engineering, and aircraft maintenance services.

Matt Thurber

Phoenix Air Group has installed SpaceX’s Starshield satcom on one of its Learjets, marking the first such installation on the Learjet 35/36. Starshield is the government version of the Starlink low-earth-orbit satcom, and Phoenix Air plans for the equipped Learjet to enter service during upcoming Gray Flag exercises.
The Starshield installation has received FAA approval, according to Phoenix Air. A Starlink electronically steered antenna is mounted forward of the midsection on the top of the Learjet’s fuselage. With the Starshield system, Phoenix Air can transmit large amounts of data in real time—and securely, according to the company, “a capability that has become increasingly vital to Test &amp; Evaluation operations."
“Integrating Starshield into the Learjet marks a new benchmark for airborne data relay and mission support,” said Steve Christopher, v-p of Phoenix Air military programs. “This achievement underscores Phoenix Air’s ability to execute complex modification programs in partnership with industry leaders like Dunagan Engineering Services, while delivering enhanced capabilities directly aligned with customer mission requirements.”
During the Gray Flag exercises, the Starshield-equipped Learjet will support real-world operational scenarios, the company said, “transmitting and sharing mission data under demanding conditions, ensuring that commanders and operators have the information they need when they need it.”

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.

Phoenix Air Group Installs Government-focused Starlink on Learjet

Starshield system provides real-time connectivity for military missions

Starshield is the government version of Starlink low-earth-orbit satcom. Phoenix Air plans for the equipped Learjet to enter service during upcoming Gray Flag exercises.

Phoenix Air Installs Government Starlink on Learjet

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

Sarah Rose

News and issues concerning general aviation, specifically airplanes and helicopters powered by piston and alternative engines (i.e., non-turbine powered aircraft). Subjects include aircraft, engines, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security and training.

First AeroSuite for aircraft type

Greenpoint Completes Sixth VIP BBJ 787

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.

Installation in a Gulfstream GIV-SP completed by Prodigious Jet Services

BizjetMobile Certus Satcom Available for U.S. Aircraft

Programmable constellations for cabins

Elliott, Prizm Debut Starlight Headliner

Curt Epstein

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 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.

In this article

Learjet 30 Series

Bombardier

More In Cabin Interior and Electronics

Greenpoint Completes Sixth VIP BBJ 787

First AeroSuite for aircraft type

BizjetMobile Certus Satcom Available for U.S. Aircraft

Installation in a Gulfstream GIV-SP completed by Prodigious Jet Services

Elliott, Prizm Debut Starlight Headliner

Programmable constellations for cabins

EASA Awards Gogo Galileo HDX STC on Citation CJ1+

U.S. FAA validation is expected shortly

First FAA STC Approved for Gogo LEO Antenna System

Trimec Aviation certified for fuselage-mount Galileo HDX installation on Gulfstream G200

Asia Corporate Jet Adding Starlink to Charter Fleet

Installation is underway on first aircraft, with the rest to be done in phases

Embraer Adds Starlink Connectivity to Praetor Jets

High-speed satellite service now available

Elliott Aviation Adds Starlink to G450, Challenger 300

Company expands Starlink installs to more business jet platforms

AIN Products

SUBSCRIPTIONS

RESOURCES

ABOUT AIN