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

Washington state legislators responded to critics of the 10% <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/business-aviation/2025-05-23/wash-state-legislators-approve-10-aircraft-luxury-tax">luxury tax</a>&nbsp;enacted last year and set to take effect on April 1, 2026, with approval of HB 2711, which repeals that tax. The tax would have applied to private aircraft sales transactions exceeding $500,000.
HB 2711 was approved on March 12 and will become law after either Gov. Bob Ferguson signs the bill or automatically within 20 days of the legislature’s action, the National Air Transportation Association (NATA) said.
In addition to eliminating the luxury tax, HB 2711 raises aviation fuel taxes in the state by 7 cents per gallon, to 25 cents. Further, state aircraft registration fees will be adjusted and automatically increased by 2% per year.
According to NATA, 28% of aviation fuel taxes will go toward a new sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) airport infrastructure account, with the remainder heading to the state’s aeronautics account. A similar portion of the registration fees will also be deposited into the state’s SAF account.

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

Washington State Legislature Repeals Aircraft Luxury Tax

Last year’s law would have imposed a 10% fee on transactions

In addition to eliminating the luxury tax, HB 2711 raises aviation fuel taxes in Washington state by 7 cents per gallon, to 25 from the previous 18 cents.

Washington State Bill To Repeal Aircraft Luxury Tax

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

Amy Wilder

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

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.

Median pricing increased 10% year over year despite softer sales

Preowned Helicopter Supply Hit Five-year Low in 2025

Charles Alcock

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.

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.

French group’s CEO warns of geopolitical instability in market

Falcon Delivery Boost Drives Revenue Growth at Dassault

February inventory represented 4% of total active fleet

Preowned Business Jet Inventory Falls, Prices Climb

Company services clients from offices on the West and East Coasts

Jeteffect Celebrating 25 Years in the Broker Business

Broad-based growth, increasing operations worldwide underpin market

Bizjet Market Posts Solid Q4 on Rising Activity

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

Malta-based Hans Jet is one of several operators with the Pilatus turboprop

Air Charter Operator: PC-12 Avoids Higher UK Tax Rates

Curt Epstein

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.

More In Finance, Taxes, Insurance

Preowned Helicopter Supply Hit Five-year Low in 2025

Median pricing increased 10% year over year despite softer sales

Falcon Delivery Boost Drives Revenue Growth at Dassault

French group’s CEO warns of geopolitical instability in market

Preowned Business Jet Inventory Falls, Prices Climb

February inventory represented 4% of total active fleet

Jeteffect Celebrating 25 Years in the Broker Business

Company services clients from offices on the West and East Coasts

Bizjet Market Posts Solid Q4 on Rising Activity

Broad-based growth, increasing operations worldwide underpin market

Air Charter Operator: PC-12 Avoids Higher UK Tax Rates

Malta-based Hans Jet is one of several operators with the Pilatus turboprop

JetNet iQ Survey To Be Renewed and Rebranded

After a 15-year run, it will continue under a new name

IADA Q4 Report Shows Bizav Market Confidence

Dealers report strong closings, firm demand

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