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

Thirty aviation software and technology companies are looking to improve standardization in the business aviation sector through a new group called Technology Aviation Business (TAB). The association was launch on Wednesday at the Aero Friedrichshafen show with founder members including FL3XX, SkAI Tech, GlobeAir, Aviowiki, and Axturis.
TAB’s main focus is on technology used to optimize aircraft operations, including flight planning tools. Member companies, including operators, are aiming to establish clear definitions and standards.
According to Paolo Sommariva, co-founder and chairman of FL3XX, the absence of this degree of commonality can cause “huge friction” in how new technology is implemented by business aviation companies. TAB also wants to establish a clearer sense of purpose for integrating more advanced software with current operational processes.
“There is software being offered that people [in the industry] really don’t understand,” Sommariva told AIN. “We want to create a discourse across the industry so that people can buy software that they actually need and understand.”
In his view, smaller companies without a chief technology officer can struggle to adopt technology effectively. These projects are generally run by business leaders such as the head of charter sales or CEO.
“We hope that our group could help to drive adoption of new technology,” Sommariva added. “It is not possible [for the industry] to keep going this way because regulatory requirements are changing with mandates for specific software. [Operators] cannot keep doing it with Excel or Post It notes.”
Several years ago FL3XX and several other companies created a technology group as part of the European Business Aviation Association. Sommariva indicated that the new approach will have a sharper focus on priority outcomes, while adding that TAB may well become an EBAA member.
"At SkAI Tech, we’ve always believed that technology reaches its full potential when it’s seamlessly integrated, a vision TAB is putting into practice through a commitment to universal standards and API connectivity, collaboration with the industry’s leading tech players, and a global strategy for a more integrated aviation ecosystem," commented Nicolas Saudreau, CEO and co-founder of SkAI Tech.
At the Aero Friedrichshafen show on Thursday at 3.30 p.m. on the Business Aviation Dome State, TAB’s founders are hosting an event to mark the launch of the association. They are exhibiting in the TAB Pavilion in Hall A1.

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