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

Gama Aviation today agreed to acquire UK-based charter flight broker Hunt &amp; Palmer. The business aviation services group said it expects the transaction to be completed by the end of this week.
Hunt &amp; Palmer has been a prominent player in the private flight charter sector since 1986. Gama Aviation, which is active as a charter operator, is adding the business to a portfolio that also includes aircraft management, maintenance, and FBOs.
According to Gama, the acquisition will boost its aircraft management and charter capability, “adding immediate scale, global reach, and complementary expertise across business aviation, commercial charter, music touring, and cargo.” The group said it will continue to use the Hunt &amp; Palmer brand name and retain its broker offices worldwide in the UK, U.S., Hong Kong, and Australia.
“Strategically, the planned acquisition allows us to grow our share of the global charter market while enhancing demand for our aircraft management offering,” Gama Aviation CEO Marwan Khalek commented. “It allows us to achieve both objectives more quickly and with less execution risk than through organic growth alone.”
Graham Williamson, Gama’s managing director for aircraft management and charter, said that Hunt &amp; Palmer’s team will support its efforts to offer a “boutique proposition” across Europe and the Middle East, in particular. “This acquisition accelerates that progress, significantly increasing our capability and attractiveness to aircraft owners and charter clients alike,” he said.
The parties did not disclose the financial terms of the acquisition. The takeover by Gama Aviation is another instance of a charter operator absorbing a broker, with Hunt &amp; Palmer’s competitor Air Partner already part of the Wheels Up group, which in 2020 acquired <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/business-aviation/2020-03-02/wheels-acquires-gama-aviation-signature">Gama's U.S. subsidiary</a>. On Monday, the owners of U.S. aircraft broker Guardian Jet announced the launch of their own charter brokering unit called Capstone Jet.
“When we started Hunt &amp; Palmer in 1986, we didn’t imagine 40 years later it would grow to be one of the most respected, award-winning businesses in the sector,” commented Hunt &amp; Palmer co-founder Jeremy Palmer. “It is a testament to the hard work and commitment of our staff that an admired entity such as Gama Aviation are keen to add Hunt &amp; Palmer to their stable. I am pleased to be handing the business over to Gama Aviation, where I know that it will thrive in its next phase.”

News and issues concerning the aviation charter and fractional-ownership industries and markets, including company announcements, regulations, new developments and labor issues.

Gama Aviation Acquires Private Charter Flight Broker Hunt & Palmer 

The acquisition for an undisclosed amount will close this week

Business aviation services group Gama will add charter flight brokering to its aircraft management and charter portfolio with the acquisition of Hunt & Palmer.

Gama Aviation Acquires Charter Broker Hunt & Palmer 

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

Charlotte Bailey

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.

Automation and data accuracy identified as key supporters of charter company’s growth 

Talon Air Selects MySky To Streamline Sales

Capstone Jet Charter will curate flights from select database of operators 

Guardian Jet Owners Launch Capstone To Refresh Charter Market

Company says new option avoids pets being caged in cargo holds

Charter Broker Lets Pets Fly Solo in Bizjet Cabins

Kerry Lynch

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.

Private flight provider is streamlining fleet with more Challenger and Phenoms jets

Wheels Up Doubles Down on Phenoms and Challengers

NetJets helped lead Berkshire Hathaway service group to 11% revenue increase in 2025

Fractional Programs, Flight Hours Boost NetJets in 2025

Amy Wilder

Wisconsin and Florida operators bring 17 business aircraft to group

Priester Aviation Acquires Maxair and Elite Jets

Curt Epstein

SEC approval is needed to begin accepting capital investments

Small Air Taxi Operator Looks To Fund Growth

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

In this article

Gama Aviation

More In Charter & Fractional