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.

Managing Editor

Gulfstream designs, develops, manufactures, markets, and services business jet aircraft.

Gulfstream GIV, GIV-SP,G300, G350,  and G450

Charles Alcock

UAE-based business aviation services group Falcon has added the first Gulfstream to a charter fleet that now includes 16 jets. On Tuesday, the company confirmed that it has taken delivery of a G450, which is now available along with an Embraer Legacy 650 and an ERJ-145, as well as a mix of 13 Bombardier Global models and Challenger 605s.
Like the existing aircraft, the G450 is owned and operated by Falcon. It offers nonstop range from Dubai to destinations such as Zurich, the Maldives, and the Seychelles.&nbsp;
“We listen closely to what our clients want, [and] their preferences guide everything we do,” said Rashit Abdulla Rashit Al Shene, founder and chairman of Alex Group Investment, which owns Falcon. “The arrival of the Gulfstream G450 is our way to show that we are always one step ahead in meeting their expectations.”
Falcon is the private aviation division of Alex Group Investments, which has interests including real estate, restaurants and retail. Its aircraft operate under a UAE air operator certificate, as well as a separate San Marino AOC.&nbsp;
Apart from its charter operations, Falcon also operates FBO and MRO facility at Dubai Al Maktoum International Airport (OMDW), which it acquired from Abu Dhabi-based business aviation group Falcon Aviation. These businesses trade, respectively, under the names Falcon Elite and Falcon Technic. The pre-owned G450 aircraft was also bought from Falcon Aviation.
According to Falcon, the FBO achieved more than a 150% increase in traffic in the 10 months spanning August 2024 and May 2025. However,&nbsp;it declined to specify the total number of movements handled.
Private flights are marketed and arranged by the Falcon Luxe charter sales division.&nbsp;In May, Falcon Luxe started offering block-hour packages to private charter customers. The company said its team provides flexible terms for pre-agreed flight hours at preferential rates set according to a client’s specific travel needs.
This story was updated on August 18 to include more complete information about the Falcon group.

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

Falcon Luxe Grows UAE-based Charter Fleet with Gulfstream G450

Company-owned jet joins mixed fleet of 16 Bombardier and Embraer models

UAE-based charter operator Falcon is diversifying its 16-aircraft fleet of private jets, with the addition of a pre-owned Gulfstream G450 model.

Falcon Luxe Grows UAE-based Charter Fleet with G450

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

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.

News about bills, laws, regulations and other governmental decisions affecting aviation and aerospace. Topics include FAA re-authorizations, taxes on fuel and aviation activities, environmental legislation, ICAO decisions, governmental mediation of labor conflicts and World Trade Organization disputes and decisions.

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.

More than 2,000 visitors and 100 companies attended the September 9 event

Air Charter Expo Logs Record Participation Numbers

Hanneke Weitering

Blade was recently acquired by eVTOL manufacturer Joby Aviation

Uber Rideshare App To Offer Blade Helicopter Flights

Amy Wilder

News and issues relating to the aerospace industry that are related to the science, engineering and business of flight in space involving civil, industrial and military applications, and similar topics related to flight in the atmosphere of the Earth that are not covered more directly by other AINonline subject channels. In other words, both astronautical and aeronautical subjects, except for those aeronautical topics that are specifically covered elsewhere on this website.

Private jet flights in Saudi Arabia rose 24% in 2024, according to GACA data

Air Charter Service Opens Office in Saudi Arabia

Charlotte Bailey

News about commercial airlines, including regulations, aircraft orders, safety, acquisitions, and mergers.

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.

On-demand flight booking model boosting German regional connectivity 

Flyv Starts Commercial Flights Under Its New Name Vini 

Jessica Reed

Business aviation users are abandoning traditional ownership patterns

Bizav Customer Demographics Shift amid New Expectations

Curt Epstein

The fractional provider is the largest Pilatus operator in the U.S.

PlaneSense Celebrates Pearl Anniversary

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

In this article

Gulfstream GIV/GIV-SP/G300/G350/G450

Gulfstream

More In Charter & Fractional

Air Charter Expo Logs Record Participation Numbers

More than 2,000 visitors and 100 companies attended the September 9 event

Uber Rideshare App To Offer Blade Helicopter Flights

Blade was recently acquired by eVTOL manufacturer Joby Aviation

Air Charter Service Opens Office in Saudi Arabia

Private jet flights in Saudi Arabia rose 24% in 2024, according to GACA data

Flyv Starts Commercial Flights Under Its New Name Vini

On-demand flight booking model boosting German regional connectivity

Bizav Customer Demographics Shift amid New Expectations

Business aviation users are abandoning traditional ownership patterns

PlaneSense Celebrates Pearl Anniversary

The fractional provider is the largest Pilatus operator in the U.S.

Broker Proliferation Poses Challenges for Charter Sector

Industry leaders at Air Charter Expo warn about "race to the bottom"

Air Charter Service Opens Third Australian Location

New Perth office is its first facility in Western Australia

AIN Products

SUBSCRIPTIONS

RESOURCES

ABOUT AIN