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

The European Business Aviation Association (EBAA) this week launched the new Climbing Fast Europe website as an advocacy platform for the industry. Based on the campaign launched by the NBAA in 2023, the initiative was <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/business-aviation/2025-05-15/climbing-fast-bizav-advocacy-initiative-goes-global">announced during the EBACE show</a> in May.
The European version of Climbing Fast is part of a wider initiative backed by the International Business Aviation Council and the British Business and General Aviation Association. Announcing the <a href="https://climbingfast.eu/">launch of the site</a> on Wednesday, EBAA said the content posted there will promote and defend the value of business aviation and include specific information for EU policymakers.
In June, EBAA made a formal request for the European Commission (EC) to suspend the application of the ReFuelEU regulation for what it defined as small aircraft operations. In effect since January 1, the rule requires European operators to uplift at least 90% of their annual fuel at EU airports in an effort to severely restrict tankering.
<h2>ReFuelEU Suspension Requested</h2>
In a <a href="https://advocacy.ebaa.org/refueleu">letter to Apostolos Tzitzikostas</a>, European commissioner for sustainable transport and tourism, the association argued that these requirements are impractical for business aircraft operators. They urged the EC to defer enforcement until 2027 to allow more time to gather data as to how the system works in practice and what environmental impact it will have.
The new site includes information about steps being taken by the business aviation sector to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. There is also extensive data that details the socioeconomic benefits of the industry to European countries.
Business aviation companies continue to face new regulatory challenges at both the European and national levels. For instance, charter flights in France continue to be subject to a punitive tax for each passenger, which has greatly increased costs.
EBAA’s French chapter has been lobbying to have the tax scrapped in the government’s 2026 budget, with debates around this plan expected to intensify during September. However, with French Prime Minister François Bayrou now facing a parliamentary vote of no confidence on September 8, there is an increasing likelihood that his government will collapse, prompting President Emmanuel Macron to scramble to secure an alternative coalition from the fractious National Assembly.

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.

EBAA Launches Climbing Fast European Business Aviation Advocacy Platform 

Website includes information for policymakers and industry data

The European business aviation community now has its own version of the Climbing Fast advocacy platform and is using it to press for regulatory progress.

EBAA Launches Climbing Fast European Advocacy Platform

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News and issues relating to civil and military unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS) of all kinds and sizes, including those used for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR), combat (unmanned combat air vehicles, or UCAVs), law enforcement, research and other applications. Of particular focus is the FAA's planned integration of UAS into the U.S. national airspace system.

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.

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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.

New developments at airports 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.

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News, issues, personnel, equipment and developments about air traffic management.

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

NBAA said video misleads

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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.

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