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

From July 10, the UK government will lift the requirement to remain under a 14-day quarantine at a fixed address for travelers arriving from a list of 59 countries published on Friday. Notably, the list does not include the U.S., Brazil, Russia, and India–all of which now have significantly higher rates of Covid-19 infection than the UK. However, the quarantine will also remain in place for many countries that do have lower rates of infection, including China, the United Arab Emirates, some European countries, including Portugal and Sweden, and the whole of Africa and South America.

 


As of July 3, the decision only applies to England, and not to Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. This is because the UK’s four nations operate under a degree of devolved administration and the governments of the latter three countries declined to accept the rule change. This had been promised by the UK government more than a week ago, only for the promised details to be released almost five days after the initial three-week quarantine enforcement period came up for review on June 29. Scotland’s Prime Minister Nicola Sturgeon described the UK’s handling of the situation as “shambolic” and, speaking on condition of anonymity to AIN some in the UK aviation industry echoed this sentiment.

 


Significantly, Friday’s announcement does not appear to cover the so-called “air bridge” or “travel corridor” arrangements promised by the government. In some cases, countries like Australia and New Zealand do not currently have their borders open to international travelers, Greece has specifically excluded direct flights from the UK and others still require quarantine on arrival.&nbsp;

 


In a statement issued several hours before the long-awaited announcement was issued by the UK Department of Transport, UK aerospace industry association ADS broadly welcomed the move. “The reopening of our skies is an important milestone in the recovery of the UK aviation and aerospace sectors from this unprecedented crisis,” commented chief executive Paul Everitt. He urged the government to review the remaining quarantine restrictions, which every other aviation trade group has opposed since they were announced in early June.

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.

UK Eases Quarantine Rules for Some Countries

The delayed review of the UK's contentious quarantine policy eases requirements for 59 countries, but not for travelers from the U.S. and many others.

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

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

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.

Industry group presses for regulatory progress and continuity across the continent 

African Bizav Strives for Greater Market Opportunity

Amy Wilder

News about simulators and training procedures, as well as workforce.

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.

Rule would not apply to insulin-treated diabetes

FAA Proposes Easing Medical Approvals for Diabetic Pilots

Kerry Lynch

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.

More In Regulations and Government

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His career spanned more than five and a half decades

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Kassebaum pushed through the General Aviation Revitalization Act

Nav Canada Increases ATC Service Charges

Increased fees are to recover pandemic shortfall

FAA InFO Outlines CVR Upgrade Deadlines

Larger new bizav aircraft face 2027 deadline, while small new turbine bizav aircraft have 2029 deadline

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