Charles Alcock
Managing Editor
Charles Alcock is managing editor of the AIN Media Group, having rejoined the company in 2019. He has been an aviation journalist since 1986, and previously worked for AIN from 1990 to 2017, most recently as editor-in-chief. His main focus is on covering new aviation technology and business models, as well as international news.
Having been raised in the London area, Alcock studied at the University of Manchester in the UK and earned an honors degree in Politics and Modern History. He speaks English and French, and some German.
Latest from Charles Alcock
Paris Air Show Preview 2003
The 2003 Paris Air Show will open its doors June 15 to 22 against a backdrop of bitter conflict and recriminations.
ATC
Chinese Airspace More Open
Foreign business aircraft operators are enjoying somewhat easier access to Chinese airspace, at least between the country’s major cities.
Maintenance and Modifications
Latin American RVSM Bottleneck?
Argentina and Colombia are lobbying to delay the planned January 2005 implementation of reduced vertical separation minimum (RVSM) airspace throughout Lati
Batty Is New BAUA Chief
John Batty, the recently retired chief pilot of Motorola’s European flight department, this month becomes the new chief executive of the UK’s Business Airc
Finance, Taxes, Insurance
European airspace users may have to beef up their insurance
All aircraft using European airspace are facing the prospect of having to carry minimum levels of third-party liability insurance.
Regulations and Government
Easing into EASA: transition from JAA could extend to 2008
The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) will start assuming its responsibilities in September, though it may well take at least until 2008 for it to com
Safety
Relaxing UK restrictions on helo singles could ‘degrade overall safety standards’
Lobbying by U.S.
UK GA manufacturers and traders focus on uncertainties
Almost half of the UK’s General Aviation Manufacturers & Traders Association (GAMTA) members have declared themselves to be less optimistic about busin
Charter & Fractional
Santulli drops fees to lure Russians
NetJets Europe is targeting fast-expanding Russian businesses for its fractional-ownership program.
Charter & Fractional
NetJets has dibs on most Northolt slots
Executive charter and corporate aircraft operators have complained that they have been unable to get slots at London Northolt Airport since NetJets started
Regulations and Government
EU security rules include air charter
New European Union (EU) requirements have been introduced requiring most aircraft weighing more than 22,045 pounds or having more than 19 passenger seats t
FBOs
FBOs put in a tough spot
David Newcomb, managing director of London Gatwick Airport FBO Interflight, spelled out to delegates at the recent UK GAMTA conference how facilities like
EBACE 2003 looks to set one for the record books
The third annual European Business Aviation Conference & Exhibition (EBACE) will return to Geneva next month (May 7 to 9), with the event set to surpas
Charter & Fractional
European firm offering scheduled bizjet service
February 17 will see the launch of scheduled business aircraft services linking Geneva, London and Paris.
Accidents
Bristow sues Sikorsky over S-76 crash
Bristow Helicopters’ insurance companies have started legal action against Sikorsky Aircraft over the July 16, 2002 crash of an S-76A in the UK sector of t
Safety
Software may put to rest the crew-fatigue debate
The Centre for Human Sciences at British aerospace and defense research group Qinetiq has developed software that it says can assess and predict crew fatig
Aircraft
B-N putting a positive spin on its propeller-driven aircraft
Despite the encroachment of ever lighter new jet aircraft on the traditional marketplace for piston- and turboprop-powered models, there are always going t
Engines
India chooses SMA diesel for Hansa 4
India’s National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL) has selected the SMA SR305 diesel engine to power its new Hansa 4 four-seat light utility aircraft.
FBOs
PrivatAir France Achieves ISO 9001 Certification
PrivatAir’s Paris Le Bourget FBO has completed ISO 9001-2000 quality certification.
Rotorcraft
Two UK helo firms land at McAlpine
The BBA Group sold its Signature Aircraft Engineering rotorcraft maintenance business and Signature Helicopters charter operation to the UK’s McAlpine grou
European Regionals Post Modest Gains
The number of passengers carried by members of the European Regions Airline Association (ERA) increased by 7.2 percent in the first three quarters of 2002,
Replacement ticketing could bankrupt European regionals
The European Regions Airline Association (ERA) has complained that European Commission (EC) proposals to increase passenger compensation will threaten the
BAE pitches solutions to tight money markets
With no full-blown recovery in air transport demand predicted before 2005, regional airlines will be looking for low-cost fleet development solutions for t
Airports
RAF Northolt mulls plan to boost bizav activity
Britain’s Ministry of Defence (MoD) is considering plans to allow 30- or 40 percent more business aviation traffic at the Royal Air Force’s London-area Nor
Safety
Europe tightens bizav anti-terrorism security
The European Business Aviation Association (EBAA) has drawn up a list of security recommendations in a bid to ensure uniform standards at the continent’s F
Engines
Honeywell AS907 gains JAA’s seal of approval
Honeywell’s AS907 engine completed certification by Europe’s Joint Aviation Authorities on December 3.
FBOs
TAG is ‘it’ as F’boro’s showcase FBO opens
TAG Aviation’s all-new business aviation facilities at the UK’s Farnborough Airport were due to go into operation at the end of last month.
Charter & Fractional
First fractional provider spreads wings in India
Asia is set to get its first full fractional ownership program by year-end.
Revamped Singapore show bows next month
The relaunched Singapore Airshow will stage its first event at a brand-new venue from February 19 to 24.
Charter & Fractional
JetBird secures new funding
JetBird, Europe’s planned new low-cost charter service, has raised €21 million ($31 million) in fresh capital through an oversubscribed private placement o
