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

Charles Alcock

European air traffic further increased during 2024, and with it came a rise in fatal accidents involving European aircraft operators, according to data released on Tuesday as part of EASA’s 2025 Annual Safety Review.According to the <a href="///Users/ca/Library/CloudStorage/GoogleDrive-calcock@ainonline.com/My%20Drive/Stories%202025/August%202025%20Stories/annual_safety_review_2025.pdf">latest EASA report</a>, the key risk areas for global air safety are aircraft upset, airborne collision, and collisions on runways.
Florian Guillermet, the agency’s executive director, noted that the number of lives lost—three—in three separate fatal accidents last year was the highest in the European commercial air transport sector in recent years.&nbsp;All of these accidents involved airliners, and there were no fatal accidents involving non-commercial business aviation flights involving what EASA categorizes as “complex aeroplanes.” These are defined as having an mtow in excess of 5,700 kilograms (12,566 pounds) and with a turbofan engine or more than one turboprop.
Last year, there were seven fatal helicopter accidents with 14 lives lost, including four accidents involving non-commercial flights. Worldwide, there were 11 fatal accidents among commercial air transport operations, with 301 fatalities.
Overall, the general aviation sector experienced 27 fatal accidents with non-complex aeroplanes and 44 fatalities. The total number of lives lost in light aircraft was less than average levels of fatalities during the period spanning 2014 to 2023, and EASA recorded no fatal uncrewed aircraft accidents in its member states last year.

News about significant aircraft accidents and information from accident reports.

European Fatal Aircraft Accidents Rose with Traffic Levels in 2024

EASA has published new data in its 2025 Annual Safety Review

Commercial air transport fatal accidents involving European operators increased in 2024, but there were none among non-commercial business aviation flights.

European Fatal Air Accidents Rise with Traffic Levels

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

New developments at airports including regulations and noise issues; legal disputes; openings, acquisitions and mergers.

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

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.

Crew and passenger escape unharmed after landing on failed main gear 

UK’s Birmingham Airport Closed after B200 Emergency Landing 

Gordon Gilbert

Operator previously had no reportable incidents or accidents in its 46-year history

Medevac King Air Crashes on Approach to Arizona Airport

David Jack Kenny

Preliminary and final accident reports, August 2025

Business Aircraft Accident Reports: August 2025

Matt Thurber

News and information on safety procedures and concerns.

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.

Helicopter routes around KDCA have no mandatory boundaries

NTSB Hearing Addresses Complex D.C. Airspace Flight Ops

Accident helicopter’s transponder was broadcasting

ADS-B Issues Didn’t Hamper ATC in DCA Midair Collision

Essential news and analysis on the defense aerospace business. Your trusted source for new and ongoing programs and requirements in military aircraft (manned and unmanned), engines, avionics, weapons and associated systems, including ground-based air defense.

Purpose is to find facts and not come to conclusions

NTSB Opens Hearing into KDCA Midair Collision

Amy Wilder

News and issues concerning general aviation, specifically airplanes and helicopters powered by piston and alternative engines (i.e., non-turbine powered aircraft). Subjects include aircraft, engines, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security and training.

More In Accidents

UK’s Birmingham Airport Closed after B200 Emergency Landing

Crew and passenger escape unharmed after landing on failed main gear

Medevac King Air Crashes on Approach to Arizona Airport

Operator previously had no reportable incidents or accidents in its 46-year history

Business Aircraft Accident Reports: August 2025

Preliminary and final accident reports, August 2025

NTSB Hearing Addresses Complex D.C. Airspace Flight Ops

Helicopter routes around KDCA have no mandatory boundaries

ADS-B Issues Didn’t Hamper ATC in DCA Midair Collision

Accident helicopter’s transponder was broadcasting

NTSB Opens Hearing into KDCA Midair Collision

Purpose is to find facts and not come to conclusions

Improper Switch Position Led to 2023 Falcon 10 Overrun

NTSB found crew used training checklist, thrust reversers in stow position

Cabin Attendant Injured after CL300 Autopilot Disengaged

CVR data overwritten before investigators could review it

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