Flying Sold to Digital Media Entrepreneur with Plans to Expand the Iconic Brand

Freightwaves founder and CEO, and new owner of Flying Media Group Craig Fuller and son, Max, enjoy a flight together. Courtesy Craig Fuller

Flying, the world’s most widely read aviation magazine, has been sold to digital media entrepreneur Craig Fuller.

Fuller, the founder and CEO of transportation digital media provider FreightWaves, acquired Flying from Bonnier Corporation, a market leader among American outdoor enthusiasts, which has owned Flying for more than a decade. Flying is a 94-year-old lifestyle publication that focuses on pilots and aviation.

The acquisition was announced at the EAA’s annual AirVenture in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, the largest air show in the world.

“I have been flying since the age of 13, and Flying has been my guide through that journey over the past few decades,” Fuller said. “Today, I have the opportunity to blend two passions I have: aviation and media.

“As a pilot, the chance to own Flying is the equivalent to buying the Yankees. I have big plans for Flying and will continue to build on this treasured media brand that has been around since the year Lindbergh flew across the Atlantic.”

Flying is the media outlet of record for pilots of all levels. It provides the most extensive coverage of general aviation found anywhere.

Flying offers information that’s critical for pilots, including:

Aviation news
Stories around experiences and adventures from pilots
Equipment reviews
Safety and training information
Regulatory updates

Fuller plans to expand the editorial and production staff and has an ambitious plan for digital media, including investments in the online and mobile platforms, with a bigger focus on aviation photography, podcasts and streaming video.

“Flying is an iconic brand, revered for generations for its steadfast commitment to great storytelling, informed opinions, insightful aircraft reviews, and skill development among general aviation enthusiasts,” said David Ritchie, CEO of Bonnier Corp. “This is a brand that will flourish under the leadership of a lifelong pilot like Craig Fuller, as we at Bonnier apply continued focus on deepening and broadening our outdoor enthusiast portfolio.”