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

Airports serving cities hosting FIFA World Cup soccer games in the early stages of the competition have seen what flight data specialist WingX described as “a clear, but uneven, boost” to business aviation traffic. In data released late last week, WingX showed how flights surged around game days.
For instance, traffic at Seattle King County International Airport (KBFI) for the June 19 game between the U.S. and Australia was nearly double the normal level&nbsp;for this time of year. A week earlier, for the June 11 tournament opening game between Mexico and South Africa, traffic at Toluca International Airport (MMTO) spiked 70%.
Overall, the North American business aviation market was 3.5% busier for the week ending June 21 than it had been in 2025, and year-to-date figures were 5% higher than last year. South America recorded the strongest year-on-year growth for the same week, with a 9.2% increase, while in the Middle East traffic remained more than 20% below 2025 levels as uncertainty over the Iran war dragged on.
<h2>FIFA Boss Flies Qatar Exec</h2>
Part of the World Cup business aviation boom was provided by FIFA president Gianni Infantino, who, as of June 28, was reported to have made 27 private jet flights between tournament host cities, based on flight tracking data. FIFA has not acknowledged the flights, but media photographs indicate that Infantino has been traveling in a Gulfstream G650ER operated by Qatar Executive, whose parent company Qatar Airways was the official airline sponsor of the 2022 World Cup held in the Gulf state.
WingX year-to-date statistics through June 21 showed NetJets recording the highest growth rate for departures at 13.9%, closely followed by Flexjet (11.2%). By contrast, Vista (-5%), Wheels Up (-32.9%), and Jet Linx Aviation (-3%) all showed declining departures over this period.
On the other side of the Atlantic Ocean, Europe’s business aviation market shrank by 1.7% in the week ending June 21, with declines notable in France (-3.9%), Italy (-5.9%), and Switzerland (-14.4%). Traffic increased in Germany (10.4%) and the UK (2.2%).
Worldwide, year-on-year traffic for the same week was 3.1% down. In addition to the Middle East, there was also some decline in Africa and Asia.

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

FIFA World Cup Tournament Boosts Business Aviation Flights in Host Cities

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Private jets carrying fans to and from World Cup soccer games boosted traffic levels for North America, while some other regions saw a decline in activity.

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2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

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