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

Advanced materials specialist Toray is marking its 100th anniversary during the Farnborough International Airshow. The Toray Group was founded in Japan in 1926 as a rayon producer. It began developing carbon-fiber technology in the 1960s and is now regarded as an innovator in carbon-fiber and thermoplastic composites for aerospace.&nbsp;
Among the recent additions to Toray’s product range is TC1810, a polysiloxane-­based preceramic resin system for applications such as battery containment, thermal protection systems, heat shields, and leading edges. The ultra-high-temperature material can operate within a range of 500 to 1,832 degrees F.
Another new offering is 3960-FC, a fast-cure variant of Toray’s 3960 epoxy prepreg system that reduces cure time by up to 45%. The material can be used in aerospace manufacturing processes, including automated fiber placement and automated tape laying.
In January, Toray’s Advanced Composites division in the Netherlands, along with partners Airbus, Daher, and Tarmac Aerosave, won the JEC Innovation Award for Circularity and Recycling for a project aimed at reducing composite waste when aircraft are scrapped at the end of their life. The project involved the recycling of pylon cover fairings from an A380 widebody airliner.

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

Composite Materials Specialist Toray Marks 100th Anniversary

Founded in 1926, Toray has more than 60 years of aerospace experience 

Composite specialist Toray is introducing new materials and processes for the aerospace sector as it marks its 100th anniversary at the Farnborough Airshow.

Composite Specialist Toray Marks 100th Anniversary

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

News and issues about aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), covering all segments of the aviation industry; and modifications for aircraft and engines. Subjects include product support of aircraft, engines and avionics, MRO company mergers, acquisitions, announcements and personnel, Airworthiness Directives, Supplemental Type Certificate approvals and other topics.

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.

Manufacturer says solar power is part of efforts to reduce environmental footprint 

Solar Panels Now Power Gulfstream’s Mesa Service Center

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 about commercial airlines, including regulations, aircraft orders, safety, acquisitions, and mergers.

Green Flyways initiative is considering the potential for MD Aircraft's eViator commuter

Partners Trial Electric Air Services in Norway and Sweden

Charlotte Bailey

News, issues, personnel, equipment and developments about air traffic management.

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.

UK’s ‘Operation Blue Skies’ to redirect commercial traffic in Shanwick airspace

North Atlantic Airspace-Scale Contrail Trial Underway

Curt Epstein

Emissions reduction indexes will help contrast economics with compliance mandates

Argus Releases Sustainable Aviation Fuel Evaluation Tool

Government-funded consortium to aims to connect remote communities 

Project SEAN Trials Electric Flights For Scotland

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

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 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.

Shift could come as the state's tax incentives change

Louisiana Could Supplant California as SAF Leader

New three-year campaign will design, build, and fly wing extension devices

WoT? Experimental Elongated Airbus Wings To Fly Next Year

Cristofer Slotoroff

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.

Farnborough Airshow 2026

In this article

Toray

More In Sustainability and Environment