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

It is just over a year since <a href="?q=node/23192">Rockwell Collins acquired flight planning group Air Routing International</a> and rebranded the business Ascend Flight Information Solutions. The Houston-based operation has had a lower global profile than rival Universal Weather &amp; Aviation for many years but that could be set to change as its new owner supports efforts to get closer to key emerging markets for business aviation.
According to flight operations manager Matt Pahl, the Ascend team in Texas can support operators around the world at any hour of the day or night. They are supported by regional offices in London, Paris, Moscow and Beijing, as well as a network of more local agents who can provide back-up on the ground in countries such as Thailand, Taiwan and Vietnam. From Pahl’s perspective, traffic levels have fluctuated in emerging markets such as Asia and have shown some significant increases over the past six months or so.
“We do now have plans to establish some more operations beyond Houston because some service items require more of a local approach,” Pahl told AIN.
The former Air Routing operation has a 30-year pedigree in flight support, employing more than 90 staff in its weather department, as well as 10 flight planning specialists and almost 40 operations personnel. “We have a long training process and a big database covering operations in different regions,” explained Pahl.
What the Ascend teams find is that dedicated business aviation support infrastructure generally exists only in countries that are receiving significant and sustained volumes of traffic. “The infrastructure will only improve when this is warranted [by the volume of traffic,] so for now we try to make the best of what there is,” said Pahl. “What matters most is not the building but whether there is someone there who can meet the needs of the passengers and crew.”
According to Pahl, most handling headaches start before a flight arrives with arrangements for landing and overflight permits, as well as for parking, being exceptionally onerous and confused in countries such as India and China. Managing expectations is a key part of the flight support role, because companies like Rockwell Collins can rarely control all the outcomes. –C.A.

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

Rockwell Collins Ascends to Global Support

It is just over a year since <a href="http://www.ainonline.com/ain-and-ainalerts/aviation-international-news/single-publication-story/browse/0/article/rock

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

Curt Epstein

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.

The $18 million complex includes a fully renovated terminal and a new hangar

Modern Aviation Debuts New Eastern Long Island FBO

Matt Thurber

Company has grown into multiple-base FBO in addition to providing charter and maintenance

Premier FBO Network Taps Titan as Fuel Supplier

Part of a major development at KBJC, it is expected to open in 2028

Jet Aviation Expanding to Denver Area with New FBO

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

Established in 2022, the network now totals 48 members

AEG Fuels Adds Three Branded Dealer Locations 

New deal now includes fuel supply all three Premier FBO locations

Titan Aviation Fuels Strengthens Ties with FBO Chain

The company has two built, and two more underway

Tampa-area FBO Adds New Hangars

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

More In FBOs

Modern Aviation Debuts New Eastern Long Island FBO

The $18 million complex includes a fully renovated terminal and a new hangar

Premier FBO Network Taps Titan as Fuel Supplier

Company has grown into multiple-base FBO in addition to providing charter and maintenance

Jet Aviation Expanding to Denver Area with New FBO

Part of a major development at KBJC, it is expected to open in 2028

AEG Fuels Adds Three Branded Dealer Locations

Established in 2022, the network now totals 48 members

Titan Aviation Fuels Strengthens Ties with FBO Chain

New deal now includes fuel supply all three Premier FBO locations

Tampa-area FBO Adds New Hangars

The company has two built, and two more underway

PrivatPort Expands FBO Network and Opens Dubai Ops Center

Swissport is investing in its rebranded executive aviation support unit

New Hangar Complex Coming to D.C.-area Airport

Project will inject new aircraft shelter into a tight real estate market

AIN Products

SUBSCRIPTIONS

RESOURCES

ABOUT AIN