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

Deliveries of Dassault Falcon business jets climbed to 31 in 2024 versus 26 in 2023, although they were lower than the 35 that Dassault had given as guidance for the year during the release of first-half results in August.
Dassault doesn’t provide a breakdown of which models were delivered, but the total includes the Falcon 6X, the newest jet in the French company’s stable. The backlog for Falcon jets as of Dec. 31, 2024, is 79, a drop of five from the end of 2023. Net orders for new Falcons reached 26 during 2024, up from 23 a year earlier.
The Falcon 6X received concurrent FAA and EASA certification on Aug. 22, 2023, and entered service on November 30 of that year. The 6X can fly up to 5,500 nm with eight passengers and NBAA IFR reserves and has an Mmo of Mach 0.90.
On the defense side, Dassault delivered 21 Rafale fighter jets in 2024, up from 13 in 2023, against an end-of-2024 backlog of 220.

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.

Dassault Delivers Five More Falcon Business Jets in 2024 Compared to 2023

Company's backlog is 79 Falcons, and 2024 orders reached 26

The backlog for Falcon jets as of Dec. 31 is 79, a drop of five from the end of 2023. Orders for new Falcons reached 26 during 2024, up from 23 a year earlier.

Dassault Delivers 5 More Falcon Business Jets in 2024

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

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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.

Delaying purchase plans to year-end could lead to fewer choices and less time for due diligence

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Amy Wilder

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.

A little electric trainer with big potential

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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.

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.

Customers can customize the aircraft to accept all kinds of specialized equipment.

Textron Aviation's King Air Aircraft Can be Deployed For Multiple Special Missions

Richard Pedicini

Latin American business aviation fair moves to São Paulo Campo de Marte Airport

Latin American Bizav Show Opens Tuesday at New Venue

Kerry Lynch

Company logged a 2.3:1 book-to-bill in second quarter

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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.

Nexus One eVTOL aircrarft's first flight will not take place this year

Textron eAviation Confirms Slowdown in Nexus eVTOL Program

Charles Alcock

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

In this article

Falcon 6X

Dassault

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Company claims orders have topped 1,000 airplanes valued at more than $700 million

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