Wilson Leach, AIN History
AIN's History

AIN produced its first magazine, an issue of NBAA Convention News, at the NBAA Convention in Cincinnati in 1972.

The company still produces NBAA Convention News but has expanded its reach across print, digital, and events to become the most relied upon source of news and information in business and civil aviation across the globe. 

To this day, AIN remains an independent, family-owned media business committed to producing quality content and interactions for the benefit of the global civil aviation industry.

Read a detailed account of AIN’s history

Timeline

Wilson Leach and Jim Holahan and the first NBAA Convention News
1972
The Beginning

Co-founders Wilson Leach and Jim Holahan team up to produce AIN’s first product, an issue of NBAA Convention News, at the NBAA Convention in Cincinnati. 

NBAA Convention News and The Convention News
1976
The Convention News Launched

Bimonthly magazine launched under the name The Convention News.

Aviation Convention News
1977-1985
Aviation Convention News

The bimonthly magazine The Convention News becomes Aviation Convention News.

First Farnborough and Pari Airshow Covers
1987-1988
Airshow News Launched

Paris Airshow News and Farnborough Airshow News dailies launched.

Aviation International News 1986-present
1986-present
Aviation International News

Magazine coverage expands beyond the business of shows and the name changes to Aviation International News.

Jim Holahan
1998
Jim Holahan Retires

One of aviation’s most respected journalists retires at the age of 77.

AINonline before 2023
1999
AIN Goes Online

The company launches AINonline to provide faster, more readily accessible worldwide coverage.

AiN Alerts
2002
Start of an Industry Benchmark

Launch of AINalerts, which delivers the latest news every weekday to more than 35,000 global subscribers.

BJT
2003
Launch of Business Jet Traveler

Company launches Business Jet Traveler, focused on helping end users maximize their investment in business aviation. 

David, Wilson and Jennifer Leach
2006-2010
Enter the Next Generation

Jennifer Leach English and David Leach join AIN, ushering in the next generation of family leadership. 

Jim Holahan
2015
Passing of an Icon

Jim Holahan passes away at age 94, leaving a legacy of excellence.

FutureFlight
2020
What is Next?

Launch of FutureFlight.aero, a website focused on what is next in the civil aviation industry. 

AIN CALs event 2023
2022
Deeper Connections

AIN launches its first Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit, bringing together top flight departments for a two-day exclusive gathering.