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 Air Charter Association (ACA) is concerned that rising costs from elevated fuel prices could spur an increase in illegal for-hire flights. During the recent Aero Friedrichshafen show in Germany, the industry group had discussions with national business aviation associations to address concerns that some private operators are blurring the lines in order to circumvent commercial operating rules.
Kevin Ducksbury, the industry group’s chairman, told AIN that some so-called “club membership” offerings are being used to disguise what are actually private operations. He said that groups such as the Austrian Business Aviation Association are worried that these may amount to “gray” charter activity that could result in serious legal and safety issues, while placing legitimate commercial operators at a competitive disadvantage.
ACA members are under significant pressure due mainly to fuel prices that have doubled following the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Ducksbury said that while concerns over the prospect of fuel shortages grounding aircraft are overstated, operators are having to pass on at least some of the inflated operating costs to customers in the form of fuel surcharges.
The association, which also represents cargo operators, said some flights in countries such as Sri Lanka have been cancelled due to fuel shortages. Ducksbury expressed concern that government-imposed fuel rationing could disrupt critical emergency medical flights.
<h2>Training Expansion</h2>
To promote its training programs for charter industry professionals, including brokers, ACA used Aero Friedrichshafen as a platform. It has expanded its training team and is now offering an Air Charter Essentials&nbsp;course for industry newcomers.
As part of wider efforts to attract new talent, ACA runs an annual next-generation internship program. For this year’s intake of 15 students, it has received 185 applications, which is almost a threefold increase from 2025. Four of the candidates accepted in 2025 now have full-time jobs in the air charter sector.
“We would love to expand this program to have two courses, and that could be done with the support of our membership,” Ducksbury said. “We try to educate them to understand career options available, including pilots, engineers, flight attendants, brokers, insurance, legal, catering, and operations.”
While ACA is based in the UK, most of its membership is spread across Europe and is growing in the U.S. and other parts of the world. The group is looking at ways to expand its partnership with the Aero Friedrichshafen show organizers.

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

ACA Warns Rising Costs Could Spur Illegal Charter Flights

Air Charter Association is concerned some for-hire flights are circumventing rules 

The Air Charter Association has highlighted concerns that some “club membership” offerings are masking illegal flight activity as the market faces rising costs.

ACA Warns Rising Costs Could Spur Illegal Charter

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.

Europe’s charter operators face revised EASA pilot flight time limitations.

Flight Time Limitations Pose New Cost Threat for Charter Operators

Amy Wilder

Fleet now exclusively Phenom 300 and Challenger 300 bizjets

Wheels Up Finishes Fleet Update Ahead of Schedule

Company has seen strong European demand since new operational model launched in September 2025 

HansJet's PC-12 Fractional Ownership Product Grows

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.

Two Cessna Citation M2 Gen3s and a CJ3 Gen2 ordered at Aero Friedrichshafen show

French Charter Group Buys Citations for Frax Program

Kerry Lynch

Company has surpassed $3 billion in transactions

Tuvoli Notches Record Bookings in March, Topping $100M

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

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

New AX Aero Group spans aircraft management, charter, data, simulators, and flight training

Axis Taps Tech To Be Transparent with Aircraft Owners

German operator will have 23 aircraft in service by mid-2027

Luminair Grows Charter Fleet with Nine Citation Latitudes

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.

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

European Spotlight with Aero Friedrichshafen 2026

More In Charter & Fractional