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

Airbus is about to receive an auxiliary power unit (APU) customized by H3 Dynamics to run on a 500-kilowatt hydrogen fuel cell. The European aerospace group plans to use the demonstrator unit to replace a conventional APU on a 400-seat A330 airline for test flights.
The test program announced at the June 2023 Paris Air Show is part of the Airbus UpNext technology unit’s work on hydrogen propulsion. Under its ZeroE program, Airbus intends to bring a 200-seat hydrogen-powered airliner into service by 2035 with an operational range of around 2,000 nm.
Airbus is expected to integrate the hydrogen APU with the aircraft in the next few months. H3 has designed it to meet aerospace standards and also has produced a digital twin to support testing.
According to H3, APUs, which support non-propulsive aircraft functions like air conditioning and cabin electrical power, present an early opportunity to reduce carbon emissions by deploying hydrogen power. The Toulouse-based company is developing a range of hydrogen fuel cell units, with power outputs of between 50 kilowatts and 2 megawatts to support various in-flight and ground power needs.

News and developments about aircraft engines, including turbofan, turboprop, turboshaft and piston.

Airbus Prepares To Start Testing H3 Dynamics' Hydrogen APU on A330 Airliner 

Auxiliary power units support non-propulsive electrical power needs of aircraft

As part of ongoing work to develop a hydrogen-powered airliner, Airbus UpNext will test H3 Dynamics' fuel-cell-based APU on an A330 testbed.

Airbus Prepares To Start Testing Hydrogen APU on A330 Airliner 

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

Matt Thurber

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.

One engine would be able to run at low-idle in a twin-engine helicopter application

FAA Proposes Special Conditions for PW220A Idle Cruise

Essential news and analysis on the defense aerospace business. Your trusted source for new and ongoing programs and requirements in military aircraft (manned and unmanned), engines, avionics, weapons and associated systems, including ground-based air defense.

Improved engine production and test facilities are mainly focused on military programs

Rolls-Royce Completes $1 Billion Engine Site Upgrade

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

The first hybrid-electric flights above 30,000 feet, as well as the first across the North Atlantic, GE says.

GE Aerospace and Beta Technologies Cross Atlantic in Hybrid-electric Saab 340B Commuter Aircraft

Australian start-up planned to convert Beechcraft Bonanza and 1900D aircraft

Lack of Funding Shuts Hydrogen Propulsion Pioneer Stralis

News and issues regarding all manner of civil and military rotorcraft and their powerplants, including helicopters, tilt rotors and unmanned air vehicles.

Turboshaft has flown more than 600 hours after first flight in March 2023

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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 information on safety procedures and concerns.

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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Airbus A330

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