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

Efforts to achieve carbon-free flights must form a key part of plans to rebuild the aviation industry, according to UK business, energy, and industrial strategy minister Nadhim Zahawi. Speaking in a webinar as part of the FIA Connect event on Tuesday, he reported that the newly announced Jet Zero Council will meet soon, bringing together senior leadership from government and industry to set a strategy for achieving the goal of net-zero emissions for long- and short-haul air transport by 2050.

 


“While we are combating Covid we need to still work on longer-term priorities for the industry, and decarbonization of transport is critical,” said Zahawi. He confirmed that UK transport secretary Grant Shapps is planning to launch a consultation on aviation and climate change later this year and said that the government is committed to helping the UK industry take leading role in the&nbsp;field.

 


According to Giles Wilkes, a senior research fellow with the Institute of Government, it might prove complicated to introduce a workable mix of incentives and disincentives to drive progress in making aviation greener. However, he pointed to the fact that wind energy growth has surpassed expectations as evidence of the possible progress.

 


“There is not the equivalent demand-led trend that we have seen in the electricity sector,” he suggested. “In current circumstances, it will be hard to make flying more expensive with taxes [that would discourage growth in aircraft emissions], but there might be progress [to wider adoption of new technology] if electricity prices keep falling.”

 


Mandy Ridyard, finance director with UK-based flight controls and components manufacturer Produmax, called on the government to provide incentives for companies throughout the supply chain to retrain employees in green technology and take steps to reduce their own carbon footprints. “We need to move on this and be ready to work with Boeing and Airbus so that we can take advantage of breakthroughs in technology,” she commented.

 


Former Airbus chief operating officer Tom Williams, who is now leading the UK Aerospace Supply Chain Taskforce established&nbsp;by industry group ADS, said that it is no longer optional for aviation to decarbonize. “Although air transport is still only 3 percent of carbon dioxide emissions, the rate is doubling every 15 years and if we don’t address this we will come under [social] pressure, especially from younger people who are more conscious [of environmental concerns],” he said.

 


Williams proposed that governments introduce financial incentives for airlines to replace old, inefficient aircraft with new equipment in a move that he compared to the so-called “cash for clunkers” campaign to get old automobiles off the road. He said that aerospace companies wanting to introduce new technology will have to engage urgently with Boeing and Airbus with workable proposals needed by around 2027 or 2028, “or you won’t be on the next-generation aircraft due in 2035.” In his view, hydrogen propulsion systems will emerge as the dominant platform for decarbonization.

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

UK Aims To Decarbonize Aviation as Part of Covid Recovery

UK government and industry leaders consider the steps they will need to take to generate rapid progress in achieving net-zero carbon objectives.

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.

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