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

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European aerospace group&nbsp;Liebherr is at the Paris Air Show demonstrating the latest examples of its decarbonization and digitization innovation across a wide array of aircraft systems. The company’s exhibit showcases breakthroughs in flight and environmental controls, thermal management and actuation systems, power electronics, and landing gear.
Arguably, the most eye-catching element on display is the folding wingtip that Liebherr’s engineers have developed for Boeing’s 777X widebody airliner to ensure that it can fit in and around crowded airport gates. The moving, sub-scale mockup on display this week demonstrates how the 777X’s long wingspan can be temporarily reduced for operational flexibility, and the group has been working on designs for thinner, longer wings that it says can reduce fuel burn.
Liebherr has also been focused on advances in complex aircraft mechanisms including angle gearboxes, power drive units, and multiple actuators. Building on its experience with medium- and large-size commercial airliners, the company has been giving more attention to developing smaller electro-mechanical actuators for new electric aircraft emerging from the advanced air mobility sector.
A major focus of the group’s research and development investment is on the pursuit of the more-electric aircraft concept in which engines can be decoupled from onboard systems consuming power for increased energy efficiency. Innovation is leading to electric power replacing bleed air and hydraulic systems to support the use of electric air management and actuation systems, as well as decentralized hydraulic power.
Demonstrating breakthroughs in 3D printing of aircraft components, Liebherr is exhibiting a complex valve for the lower cabin door actuation system of an Airbus A350 made with additive manufacturing. Also on show is an additive-manufactured air-liquid heat exchanger.
In addition to its own stand, Liebherr is featured in the Paris Air Lab exhibit to recognize its innovations in hydrogen fuel cell-based electrical power and a production assembly station equipped with a visual operator assistance system and a connected bolt torquing tool.
The group is actively recruiting new talent and so is participating in the L’Avion des Métiers (Careers Plane) exhibit in the Concorde Hall.

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