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

Rolls-Royce is the world’s leading engine supplier in business aviation, powering some of the largest, fastest, and longest-range business jets available. Rolls-Royce powers aircraft built by Bombardier, Cessna, Embraer and Gulfstream. Our products and services include the Pearl, BR725, BR710, AE3007, Tay, Spey, MR&O, and CorporateCare® Enhanced, the leading solution for engine care. This maintenance program offers increased asset liquidity, nacelle coverage and complete engine management, from line maintenance to shop visits. CorporateCare Enhanced, the comprehensive, fixed-cost engine maintenance management plan, provides customers with a global support infrastructure which includes: Engine Health Monitoring, a worldwide network of Authorised Service Centres and globally distributed spare parts and engines, all managed by our dedicated 24/7 Business Aircraft Availability Centre.

The UK’s aerospace industry is among the beneficiaries of a trade deal between the U.S. and Britain that came into effect on Monday. Among the concessions secured in bilateral negotiations has been the removal of a 10% tariff on aircraft engines and parts, with the UK government stating that President Trump has agreed to keep these items rated at&nbsp;0%, while tariffs on Britain’s automotive sector have been reduced from 27.5% to 10%.
Among other leading U.S. trading partners, the EU and Canada face extreme uncertainty over the tariffs their industries will be burdened with. In both cases, negotiations with the Trump Administration appear to be blocked as the July 9 deadline for agreeing on new trade details is now just a week away. More specifically, tariffs on steel and aluminum still remain to be settled, although for now the UK at least has avoided the 50% rate imposed by the U.S. in early June.
Trade groups including the Aerospace Industries Association and the General Aviation Manufacturers Association are lobbying the Trump Administration, seeking to exclude the aerospace sector from <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/business-aviation/2025-04-04/industry-grapples-ramifications-global-tariffs">tariffs</a>. Their main argument is that the U.S. industry has long enjoyed a healthy trade surplus and so is in no need of protection from importers, and that tariffs are proving highly disruptive to businesses and increasing costs.
At the Paris Air Show last month, GAMA president and CEO James Viola told AIN that growing numbers of Republican politicians in both the U.S. House of Representatives and the Senate are endorsing calls to exclude aviation from tariffs. According to sources close to these negotiations, who spoke on condition of anonymity, lobbyists are seeking to get wording used for the aerospace section of the UK’s trade deal with the U.S. applied as a template for trade settlements with other countries.

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

Trade Deal Means UK Aerospace Avoids U.S. Sanctions

Some major trading partners across the EU and Canada still face high tariffs

The UK’s trade deal with the U.S. has benefited its aerospace sector in a way industry groups hope will be replicated through Trump administration concessions.

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

Amy Wilder

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.

Pre-tax earnings for service group climb 20.6%

NetJets, FlightSafety Revenue Rises in First-half 2026

Hanneke Weitering

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.

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

Financing supports Eco Caravan certification and hybrid-electric APU development

Ampaire Raises $19 Million for Hybrid-electric Airplanes

Kerry Lynch

Moody's assigned a Ba2 credit rating, up from Ba3, while maintaining a positive outlook

Moody's Upgrades Bombardier as Balance Sheet Improves

Matt Thurber

News and information on safety procedures and concerns.

Decision support system helps pilots assess risks up to 14 days ahead of planned flight

PlaneWX Pilots Save with 5X5 Insurance Safety Rewards

Component sales boosted Beta’s second-quarter revenue

Beta Is Turning Its eVTOL Competitors into Customers

UK group says it will complete Valo eVTOL’s critical design review this year 

Vertical Extends Cash Runway with Fresh eVTOL Funding 

Buyers urged to seek guidance, consider financing before finding an aircraft

IADA Panel: Financing Has Evolved Beyond a Buying Tool

Howard Hardee

News and issues relating to civil and military unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS) of all kinds and sizes, including those used for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR), combat (unmanned combat air vehicles, or UCAVs), law enforcement, research and other applications. Of particular focus is the FAA's planned integration of UAS into the U.S. national airspace system.

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