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 2014 edition of the Farnborough International Airshow has beaten its own record for aircraft and engine orders, with organizers announcing a $130 billion running tally after the first three of the five trade days. Factoring in all provisional orders, AIN’s own analysis puts the estimate at just above $155 billion.


Qatar Airways dominated commercial proceedings at the Farnborough International Airshow yesterday, signing contracts with Boeing for its 777Xs that could be worth up to $37.7 billion, plus another $2.4 billion deal for four 777 freighters.


Boeing also announced that it is close to finalizing a purchase agreement for China’s Hainan Airlines to buy fifty 737 Max 8 aircraft, powered by the CFM International CFM Leap-1B engines. Assuming the provisional deal gets the blessing of the Chinese government, it would be worth approximately $5.1 billion for the aircraft and $3.7 billion for the engines. CFM reported that it has logged $21.4 billion in engine sales at this week’s show.


Leasing group MG Aviation placed a $499 million order for two additional 787-9 Dreamliners. The company previously ordered two other -9s in 2006.


Air Algerie was announced as the client for a $152 million order placed in May for a pair of Next Generation 737-300C aircraft. The narrowbodies can be converted between freight and passenger use. The airline previously ordered eight 737-800s in January.


More For XWB


Airbus won more support for its A350XWB program with the news that Air Mauritius has signed a memorandum of understanding for four -900 models. The carrier is going to lease two more of the widebody.


ATR signed a contract with Myanma Airways for up to 12 ATR72-600s. The deal, provisionally worth up to around $240 million, includes six firm orders and six options.


GE Aviation announced that the GE9X engines to power the 50 Qatar Airways 777-9Xs will represent at $3.8 billion deal. Rolls-Royce signed an agreement with CIT to provide Trent 7000 engines for 15 new Airbus A330-900neos.


Trans States Holdings contracted with Pratt &amp; Whitney to provide PW1000Gs for the 50 Embraer E-Jets E2 the U.S. airline group ordered this week. The engine maker will also be providing PW1200G powerplant for the six Mitsubishi Regional Jets ordered by Air Mandalay. Separately, it signed a letter of intent with Philippine Airlines for PurePower engines on the 10 A320neos it has on order.


Finally, International Aero Engines is to provide V2500 turbofans for four A320ceo ordered by SaudiGulf Airlines.


By the end of Wednesday, the number of trade visitors received stood at 65,000. This year’s “Meet the Buyer” program doubled in scale from the 2012 show, with more than 1,200 meetings involving 300 companies set up so far.

Airline Big Bucks Break Farnborough Show’s Sales Record

Aircraft and engine orders logged so far at the 2014 Farnborough show could be as high as $155 billion.

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Farnborough Air Show 2014

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