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

Dassault appears to be getting closer to the start of flight testing for its ultra-long-range Falcon 10X, according to images of the first 10X prototype posted this week by French aviation media group Actu Aero. The aircraft manufacturer declined to comment on reports that first flight could happen in early 2026, but it has confirmed plans for a purpose-built production facility for the 10X at its site at Bordeaux-Mérignac Airport in southwest France.
A photo of what appears to be a Falcon 10X prototype shows an aircraft with power on during ground testing. Dassault is expected to stage a rollout event for its flagship model in the new year and is targeting service entry in 2027.
Powered by a pair of Rolls-Royce Pearl 10X turbofans, the latest Falcon is expected to have a range of 7,500 nm and a top speed of Mach 0.925. In early August, <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/business-aviation/2025-08-05/rolls-royce-files-pearl-10x-engine-certification-data">Rolls-Royce confirmed</a>&nbsp;it had completed testing and had submitted all certification data for the 10X’s Pearl 10X powerplant to EASA. A longer-than-anticipated development timeline for the 18,000-pound-thrust engine contributed to the new jet’s type <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/business-aviation/2022-10-17/rolls-royce-plans-fly-pearl-10x-engine-2023">certification target</a> slipping from late 2025.
The Falcon 10X will compete with other ultra-large-cabin jets, including the Bombardier Global 8000 and Gulfstream G700. Its 2,780-cu-ft cabin will have space for a private suite with queen-size bed.

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.

Dassault Appears Poised To Start Flight Testing Falcon 10X Business Jet 

A published image of a 10X prototype in Bordeaux appears to show ground tests underway 

A photo of a prototype for Dassault’s Falcon 10X business jet has fueled unconfirmed speculation that the French manufacturer will soon start flight tests.

Dassault Appears Poised To Start Falcon 10X Flight Testing

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

News and issues regarding all manner of civil and military rotorcraft and their powerplants, including helicopters, tilt rotors and unmanned air vehicles.

Joby Aviation has already been testing its aircraft in the region.

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

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

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.

Swiss start-up plans all-electric, hybrid-electric and hydrogen-electric versions

Smartflyer Targets 2026 First Flight For SF-1 Electric Aircraft

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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.

Nicole Malachowski, Jennifer Homendy, Alex Marren, and Stephanie Chung to Address WAI attendees

WAI Sets Keynote Roster for Dallas Conference in 2026

News about commercial airlines, including regulations, aircraft orders, safety, acquisitions, and mergers.

News and issues relating to international air transport and cargo carriers, national airlines and regional airlines, including aircraft, engines, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security and training.

Letter of agreement covers 20 of the nine-seat aircraft

UrbanLink Preorders MD Aircraft’s eViator Electric Commuter

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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.

Essential news and analysis on the defense aerospace business. Your trusted source for new and ongoing programs and requirements in military aircraft (manned and unmanned), engines, avionics, weapons and associated systems, including ground-based air defense.

Delivery of the Global 6500s to the Royal Canadian Air Force is slated for mid-2027

Bombardier Nabs $400M Canadian Deal for Global 6500s

Amy Wilder

Hamburg facility begins SIGINT mission system work

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Bombardier claims the aircraft sets a new bar.

Bombardier’s Latest Global 8000 Business Jet Enters Service

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.

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