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 century-old Junkers aviation brand is back in vogue with new versions of the German company’s iconic light aircraft now in production. Junkers Aircraft has come to the Dubai Airshow from its home in the Black Forest region to display an eye-catching A60 two-seater featuring a modern rework of its corrugated metal airframe.
While the A60 on display features side-by-side seating, Junkers also offers an A50 model in which the pilot sits in front of a passenger in tandem mode. The company offers a “Heritage” version of the A50 that is even closer to the oval fuselage cross-section of the 1929 model, featuring a distinctive 124-hp Verner Scarlett 7U radial engine.
According to Junkers, aviation enthusiasts can now benefit from the modern technology incorporated into the new versions, while retaining the old-school look. Safety features include a Garmin avionics suite with G3X touchscreen displays in the cockpit, Beringer brakes, and a Galaxy whole-aircraft parachute rescue system.
Apart from the A50 Heritage model, the A60 and the other reborn Junkers aircraft are powered by Rotax 912 engines with power ratings of 100 or 130 horsepower. The A60 has a maximum speed of 112 knots and a cruise speed of 86 knots.
The Junkers team crafts each aircraft by hand, a task that requires 2,500 person-hours. The process involves milling, pressing, and assembling more than 1,000 pieces and more than 10,000 rivets.
Hugo Junkers founded the original company in 1895 to make thermal and heating equipment before designing his first aircraft, the Junkers J1, in 1915 for use in World War I. He was a pioneer in switching aircraft production to metal, conceiving the corrugated shape to make the thin airframe panels more rigid.
In the 1920s, what was then the Junkers Flugzeugwerke company developed early airliners that flew in regions including Turkey, South America, and what is now Iran. In 1933, its founder was forced to hand over the company, without compensation, to the Reich Aviation Ministry and was banned from his own factories. In 2015,&nbsp;Dieter Morszeck founded the new Junkers Aircraft company in Switzerland. It flew the&nbsp;first A50 model in 2021.
Customers have several choices to make when specifying their aircraft, such as whether to retain the original open-air Cabriolet cockpit or have a canopy. They can also specify the color of the fuselage and opt for accessories such as a baggage compartment.
According to Junkers, its customer base includes retired commercial airline pilots seeking a more authentic flying experience. Dominique Boesch, the company’s head of sales and marketing, told AIN that the company is also attracting young pilots, including some who are completely new to flying.

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.

Junkers Goes Back to the Future With New Take on Classic Light Aircraft

A50 and A60 models feature iconic corrugated aluminum fuselages

Junkers aircraft, with their corrugated metal fuselages, were a design classic from the 1920s. Now pilots can enjoy them with 21st-century safety features.

Junkers Offers Modern Take on Classic Light Aircraft

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

David Donald

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.

Essential news and analysis on the defense aerospace business. Your trusted source for new and ongoing programs and requirements in military aircraft (manned and unmanned), engines, avionics, weapons and associated systems, including ground-based air defense.

Using certified software and hardware across different platforms can drive down costs

Salient's Modular Approach Addresses Supply-chain Issues

Matt Thurber

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.

Dassault showcasing largest business jet cabin and longest-range jet 

Two Falcon Jets on Dubai Airshow Display

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.

Regional air forces mature as modernization programs bear fruit

Gulf States' Airpower Capabilities Are Still Evolving

Hanneke Weitering

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.

Charleston expansion project could double 787 production capacity

Boeing Is Ramping Up 787 Dreamliner Production

Scott Hamilton

Bjorn Fehrm

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

Today, LNA provides assessments of eight more possible new commercial airliners

Evaluating Next Generation Airliner Contenders: Part 2

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

Dubai Airshow 2025

In this article

Junkers Aircraft

More In Aircraft

Salient's Modular Approach Addresses Supply-chain Issues

Using certified software and hardware across different platforms can drive down costs

Two Falcon Jets on Dubai Airshow Display

Dassault showcasing largest business jet cabin and longest-range jet

Gulf States' Airpower Capabilities Are Still Evolving

Regional air forces mature as modernization programs bear fruit

Boeing Is Ramping Up 787 Dreamliner Production

Charleston expansion project could double 787 production capacity

Evaluating Next Generation Airliner Contenders: Part 2

Today, LNA provides assessments of eight more possible new commercial airliners

Vertical Claims Lead with eVTOL Flight Tests and Payload

Piloted transition flights with full-scale prototype are now underway

Global Combat Air Program Builds Momentum

The Anglo-Italian-Japanese sixth-generation fighter program is making strides toward its service entry target for 2035.

UAE Fighter Deal Leads Rafale’s Global Resurgence

Landmark 80-aircraft order leads wave of international interest for the French fighter

AIN Products

SUBSCRIPTIONS

RESOURCES

ABOUT AIN