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

Liebherr Aerospace is targeting research and development investments in small-scale electromechanical actuators for advanced air mobility vehicles, as well as for light aircraft, business jets, and helicopters. The European group seeks to leverage expertise accumulated from producing the technology, including the associated electronic systems, for larger commercial aircraft that have collectively logged millions of flight hours.
At the Singapore Airshow, the latest actuators are part of a focus on technology advances by Liebherr’s engineering team. The Toulouse-based group is also exhibiting the latest versions of its air cycle machines for airliner air conditioning systems, signaling the move away from pneumatic technology towards electrical or mechanical operations.
Liebherr is contributing to industry efforts to develop longer, thinner wings that could reduce carbon dioxide emissions from flights. At the show, the company is demonstrating a 1:6-scale model of a mechanism that allows wingtips to fold upward to ensure continued access to airport gates and other existing infrastructure.
<h2>Service Center Improvements</h2>
In Singapore, Liebherr operates a service center to support aircraft operators across the Asia-Pacific region. The facility now features a new high-performance test cell for components as well as repair and overhaul capability for heat transfer equipment.
In December, Liebherr’s Singapore subsidiary started using a protection coating process for heat exchanger components. This involved a trivalent chromium system and a post-application conversion sealer to give longer-term protection for the hardware.
The new process is compliant with the EU’s Registration, Evaluation, Authorization, and Restriction of Chemicals regulations. These are intended to protect against environmental damage and employee health risks.
During the third quarter of this year, Liebherr is rolling out the technology in other factory-owned service centers, including its site in Shanghai. It will also require it for third-party maintenance, repair, and overhaul providers that support its equipment.

News about environmental issues relating to aircraft operations, including noise issues, emissisions, and regulations. See Fuel for biofuel.

Liebherr Aerospace Focuses on Smaller Actuators and Thinner Wings

Singapore exhibit showcases electromechanical innovation 

Liebherr Aerospace is producing smaller-scale actuators for new aircraft, as well as advanced wing designs to reduce carbon emissions from flights.

Liebherr Focuses on Smaller Actuators and Thinner Wings

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

Hanneke Weitering

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.

Singapore’s first Space Summit kicks off on February 2

Singapore Airshow Gains Altitude with Inaugural Space Summit

Curt Epstein

News and developments about aviation fuel, including jet fuel, aviation gasoline, and biofuel.

Syzygy Plasmonics’ first production facility will be in Uruguay

New SAF Producer Moves Forward after Offtake Agreement

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

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.

Provider inks deal to supply four high-volume locations

AEG Fuels Expands Jet-A and SAF Dealer Supply Network

World Economic Forum attracts numerous private aircraft to Davos, Switzerland

Jet Aviation Again Offers SAF in Zurich for WEF

Group sees a feedstock “tipping point” beyond 2030

Report: Global SAF Market To Reach $50 Billion by 2036

Kerry Lynch

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.

Singapore Airshow 2026

More In Sustainability and Environment

Singapore Airshow Gains Altitude with Inaugural Space Summit

Singapore’s first Space Summit kicks off on February 2

New SAF Producer Moves Forward after Offtake Agreement

Syzygy Plasmonics’ first production facility will be in Uruguay

AEG Fuels Expands Jet-A and SAF Dealer Supply Network

Provider inks deal to supply four high-volume locations

Jet Aviation Again Offers SAF in Zurich for WEF

World Economic Forum attracts numerous private aircraft to Davos, Switzerland

Report: Global SAF Market To Reach $50 Billion by 2036

Group sees a feedstock “tipping point” beyond 2030

FAA Issues Draft Framework for Unleaded Avgas Transition

National rollout would take place by 2030

CAA, 4Air Team Up for Member Discounts

4Air provides tools to support sustainability and regulatory compliance

SAF Producer Neste Walks Back Some Climate Goals

The company cited financial factors for the changes

AIN Products

SUBSCRIPTIONS

RESOURCES

ABOUT AIN