The July 2011 issue of Ai Magazine is now out so check with airsoft retailers and magazine stands to get your copy, and a word from the new editor... "A new era... It's with a great sense of pride and privilege that I welcome you to this new issue of Airsoft International. It's a little special to me and the rest of the Ai staff, simply for the fact that it's my first issue. That's right, Publishing Director, Paul Monaf has handed me the reins as Editor.

If you work within the industry, follow us on Facebook or read our blog, you may have been expecting this change for a while, as Paul will have broken the news ahead of now, but for those of you that this is totally new to don't worry, Paul isn't going anywhere. He's still in the position of Publishing Director, as much as he can't stand the official title and he'll still be over seeing the production of the magazine, just with more time to move Ai forward as a brand. For me, it's a dream come true.

I've spent the majority of my adult life working with magazines, all the way from dealing with advertising, to writing them and although I have contributed to Ai for a while now, I'm honoured to be given the chance to shape and progress this magazine. It's a fundamental part of the hobby, and I realise it's a massive and special responsibility I've been trusted with.

For you, what will this mean? For a start, Ai will be growing. We've been cooking up plans to take the printed product to the next level but it doesn't stop there. Other Ai events will be growing; more games, events and a greater presence at existing ones can be expected, along with a few entirely new ventures for us. What it boils down to is the fact you'll be getting more Ai, more airsoft and more fun. As I write this, we are still going through the final preparations for Ai500: Waldgeist, but by the time this lands on your doormat the event is likely to be mere hours away, so if you are attending, please come and say 'hi'. Right, I best get my head down and start working on the next issue, don't want to upset the boss already, eh?"