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

Rail and aircraft leasing company Residco has purchased all assets of Brown Aviation Lease and plans to expand its leasing portfolio for flight schools and aviation universities. The assets included 31 aircraft, primarily Cessna 172s, that are already under lease, as well as five airplanes on order and scheduled for delivery this year.

 


Following the purchase, Residco retained one of the Brown Aviation principals as an advisor. There were no other employees of Brown other than principals, explained David Kolber, Residco director of aviation marketing. He added that the company “plans to work with flight schools across the [U.S.] to support their fleet needs." This includes exploring the placement of additional aircraft orders.

 


According to Kolber, “The well documented pilot shortage has created significant stress on the entire aviation industry. To add to that, many flight training programs are facing a major re-fleeting as their aircraft approach 50 years old. There is significant demand for financing of these new aircraft and limited appetite from aviation-focused lenders. Aside from the innovative work of Brown Aviation Lease, the leasing market for this segment is not well developed, and Residco looks forward to bringing its deep understanding of the leasing product and aviation knowledge to the market.”

 


Another recently launched company that specializes in light aircraft leasing,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/general-aviation/2022-01-12/trainer-leasing-firm-flytfinance-launches" style="font-size: 13.008000373840332px;">FlytFinance</a>, was also recently launched.

Issues regarding financing of aircraft; aviation insurance; tax issues for aircraft operators; new companies and people in the aviation financing and insurance industries.

Residco Adds To Leasing Pool with Brown Asset Buy

Leasing company Residco is making a move into the light aircraft leasing business and plans to serve flight schools and university flight programs.

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

Amy Wilder

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.

Pre-tax earnings for service group climb 20.6%

NetJets, FlightSafety Revenue Rises in First-half 2026

Hanneke Weitering

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

Financing supports Eco Caravan certification and hybrid-electric APU development

Ampaire Raises $19 Million for Hybrid-electric Airplanes

Kerry Lynch

Moody's assigned a Ba2 credit rating, up from Ba3, while maintaining a positive outlook

Moody's Upgrades Bombardier as Balance Sheet Improves

News and information on safety procedures and concerns.

Decision support system helps pilots assess risks up to 14 days ahead of planned flight

PlaneWX Pilots Save with 5X5 Insurance Safety Rewards

Component sales boosted Beta’s second-quarter revenue

Beta Is Turning Its eVTOL Competitors into Customers

Charles Alcock

UK group says it will complete Valo eVTOL’s critical design review this year 

Vertical Extends Cash Runway with Fresh eVTOL Funding 

Buyers urged to seek guidance, consider financing before finding an aircraft

IADA Panel: Financing Has Evolved Beyond a Buying Tool

Howard Hardee

News and issues relating to civil and military unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS) of all kinds and sizes, including those used for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR), combat (unmanned combat air vehicles, or UCAVs), law enforcement, research and other applications. Of particular focus is the FAA's planned integration of UAS into the U.S. national airspace system.

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