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

Achieving net-zero carbon aviation by 2050 is a generational challenge, according to a new initiative to coalesce young leaders across the industry. Emerging Leaders in Sustainable Aviation (ELSA) was launched earlier this month during the Generation 2050 panel as part of the ICAO General Assembly in Montreal. It aims to gather industry professionals 35 and younger in a common purpose that the group hopes will bear dividends over the course of their careers.
Conceived by Amy Strang, a sustainability and environment marketing manager with Airbus, the project has the backing of the Air Transport Action Group. For the past two years, she has been working with the European airframer’s ZeroE team, developing concepts for hydrogen-powered airliners.
The idea is that today’s 20- and 30-somethings can be expected to rise to more senior leadership positions in aviation from 2035 onwards and, as such, could be well placed to help the industry achieve its decarbonization objectives. “Our hope is that after someone in the industry rises through the ranks to become the next C-suite exec of a major airline or fuel producer, that they’ll know exactly who to pick up the phone to tackle a challenge,” said the group in its launch statement.
“Before I moved to France [to join Airbus], I lived in New Zealand and was a bit disconnected and lonely,” Strang told AIN. “Our generation doesn’t necessarily get to go to the industry conferences, so we need to find other ways to connect and collaborate.”
ELSA’s recruits are convening in the belief that, just as with aviation safety, sustainability is a goal that has to transcend competition between companies. “We know that aviation is a difficult sector to decarbonize, and this is something we have to do because the industry isn’t slowing down,” Strang said. “The net-zero target is possible, and it needs to happen.”
The organization is led by an executive committee of 12 young professionals that has already established a LinkedIn platform through which participants can connect. It will host online events each quarter and may also host gatherings at industry events such as IATA meetings and major airshows.
ELSA’s founders are drawn from Airbus, along with its rival Boeing, as well as from sustainable aviation fuel specialist LanzaJet and airport industry group ACI World. The group is looking to build and share knowledge around technical topics, as well as to support professional development, communications, and leadership skills for individual members.

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

Gen Z and Millennial Professionals Join Forces To Decarbonize Aviation

The Emerging Leaders in Sustainable Aviation was launched at the ICAO General Assembly

Aviation professionals under the age of 25 have formed a new group called Emerging Leaders in Sustainable Aviation to advance decarbonization of the industry.

Gen Z, Millennials Join Forces To Decarbonize Aviation

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

Curt Epstein

News and developments about aviation fuel, including jet fuel, aviation gasoline, and biofuel.

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.

Study urges investments in technology and infrastructure

IATA: Technology, Not Feedstock, Limiting SAF Goals

Hanneke Weitering

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.

Clean Aviation Joint Undertaking funds further R&D for decarbonization efforts

EU Awards €945 Million to 12 ‘Clean Aviation’ Projects

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.

New deal complements existing SAF offtake partnerships

Luxaviation Signs 15-year SAF Offtake Agreement 

Jim Stabile

Higher diversion altitudes allowed by onboard oxygen use reduce aircraft fuel burn

AINsight: Enhancing Sustainability Via Fuel and Oxygen

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.

Unifuel’s Flexiforming promises lower cost SAF

Promising SAF Production Process Enters ASTM Testing

Kerry Lynch

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.

GHG emissions are down by 23% over 2019, and employee engagement exceeded target

Bombardier Marks Progress on Sustainability Goals

Sarah Rose

News and issues concerning general aviation, specifically airplanes and helicopters powered by piston and alternative engines (i.e., non-turbine powered aircraft). Subjects include aircraft, engines, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security and training.

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Luxaviation Signs 15-year SAF Offtake Agreement

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New Tool Helps Aviation Cut Climate Impact

Reducing contrails may outweigh small CO2 increases, according to researchers at UC Irvine

Researchers Tackle Tradeoffs in Aviation’s Climate Impact

Simply reducing aircraft fuel burn is not necessarily the greenest strategy

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