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 French chapter of the European Business Aviation Association (EBAA) this week renewed its calls for the country’s government to make changes to the so-called “solidarity tax” it says is unfairly targeting the industry. In a statement issued late Tuesday, the warned that the French tax—which is levied at a much higher rate for private charter flights than for airline services—has caused “unprecedented industrial and competitive decline.”
As part of ongoing discussions about the 2026 budget, EBAA France wants the government to at least reduce the tax rate to the same as that charged for business- and first-class passengers on airline flights. It said that rates charged for private charter services can be as much as 30 to 50 times higher.
The Paris-based group is also requesting that the government establishes “fair collection mechanisms” so that the tax is levied consistently for both French and foreign operators. It has reported that many charter operators based outside the country are not aware of the tax and that officials are not doing enough to ensure that they pay for flights in and out of French airports, causing a competitive imbalance in terms of costs.
EBAA France also demanded that tax revenues are allocated to efforts to decarbonize aviation. The solidarity tax took effect from the start of 2025.
<h2>Foreign Operators Get Unfair Advantage</h2>
According to the association, flight activity for French operators declined by 21.8% in the third quarter, but traffic for foreign operators flying in and out of France increased by 4%.
“In practice, it is foreign competitors who benefit from this situation—capturing French demand without contributing to national taxes, employment in France, or the local industrial ecosystem, all without any environmental gain,” EBAA France said. The group warned the tax poses an existential threat to the survival of French operators, jobs, and skills, while undermining an industry “in which France was not only a pioneer but also a recognized global leader.”
Commenting on an article in the French financial newspaper Les Echos on November 1, EBAA France president Charles Aguettant said that tax rates for intra-European flights range from €210 to €420 per passenger, rising to up to €2,100 per passenger for long-haul flights.
Prospects for agreeing on a national budget for 2026 have been severely complicated by extreme political discord in the French parliament. Representatives from multiple opposition parties have repeatedly resisted the efforts of Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu to get approval for a budget, compromising hopes for tax reform.

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

French Business Aviation Group Demands Flight Tax Reform

EBAA France says "solidarity tax" poses a threat to the French charter sector

EBAA France has published a list of demands for changes to the "solidarity tax" it says is unfairly benefitting foreign charter operators. 

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

Amy Wilder

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.

Speakers highlight risks, integration challenges, the importance of relationships

CJI Miami Panelists Dissect Scale, Culture in Bizav M&A

Charlotte Bailey

Discounted safety-focused software and services available to members  

Aeronautical Data Systems Joins Starr Safety Partnership

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.

Appointments finalize leadership before aerospace separation

Honeywell Sets 2026 Aerospace Spinoff Leadership Team

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.

Increased deliveries of executive jets was a third quarter highlight

Productivity Gains Boost Embraer Revenues to $2 Billion

News and developments about aircraft engines, including turbofan, turboprop, turboshaft and piston.

More In Finance, Taxes, Insurance

CJI Miami Panelists Dissect Scale, Culture in Bizav M&A

Speakers highlight risks, integration challenges, the importance of relationships

Aeronautical Data Systems Joins Starr Safety Partnership

Discounted safety-focused software and services available to members

Honeywell Sets 2026 Aerospace Spinoff Leadership Team

Appointments finalize leadership before aerospace separation

Productivity Gains Boost Embraer Revenues to $2 Billion

Increased deliveries of executive jets was a third quarter highlight

Beta IPO Seeks Backing for Growing Electric Aircraft Family

New York Stock Exchange IPO chases $1 billion equity sale

IADA Q3 Data Shows Growing Market Optimism

Bonus depreciation, low inventory drive confidence gains

VoltAero Seeks Funds for Cassio after Investor Backs Out

French hybrid-electric pioneer is now expediting plans for a U.S. subsidiary

Archer Beats European Bid to Buy Lilium’s eVTOL Patent Portfolio

Rival European bidder complains insolvency administrator breached commitment

AIN Products

SUBSCRIPTIONS

RESOURCES

ABOUT AIN