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

International private equity group MML Keystone has bought a majority stake in rotorcraft simulator training center Coptersafety. The companies announced the deal on Monday but did not disclose the size of the investment.
MML Keystone has committed to providing financial backing for the Finland-based group to expand its pilot training capacity. Coptersafety—which holds training approvals from the FAA, EASA, and Transport Canada, among others—plans to add further level-D full-flight simulators in 2027 and 2028 to its facility near Helsinki International Airport (EFHK).
The existing management team at Coptersafety is also directly investing in the company and will continue to lead the business with what it described as “a meaningful shareholding.” Finnish private equity investor Sentica Partners is selling its stake in the training group, which it has backed since 2015.
“Coptersafety runs a scarce piece of safety infrastructure in European aviation: full-flight simulator training capacity on the helicopter types operators depend on for the most demanding missions,” said Sharand Maharaj, co-managing partner of MML Keystone. “In a market where approvals are hard-won and capacity cannot be conjured overnight, Coptersafety has business with disciplined capacity economics and highly recurring demand.”
The company provides training for helicopters such as the Leonardo AW139 and AW169, as well as the Airbus H145 and H125.

News about simulators and training procedures, as well as workforce.

Private Equity Group MML Keystone Buys Majority Stake in Coptersafety

European rotorcraft pilot training group attracts new investment

With support from new backers MML Keystone, Coptersafety will add more Level D helicopter training simulators at its facility in the Finnish capital Helsinki.

Private Equity Group Buys Majority Stake in Coptersafety

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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.

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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.

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

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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.

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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.

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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