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

GKN Aerospace is investing £4 million ($5.2 million) to advance Airbus’s Sustainable Wing Solutions (SusWingS) research and technology program. The company announced Wednesday that it will be stepping up its existing collaboration with the airframer, along with Cranfield University and the University of Manchester.
The program’s objective centers on developing high-performance wings and environmentally conscious manufacturing processes. The overall £15 million budget includes an £8 million contribution from the UK government-backed Aerospace Technology Institute.
The SusWingS work will build on the progress achieved through Airbus’s Wing of Tomorrow program that focuses on a new approach to wing design. GKN delivered three fixed trailing edge assemblies to Airbus, which is now testing full-scale Wing of Tomorrow demonstrators in its facilities at Broughton and Filton in the UK.
Now the SusWingS partners will focus on developing single-sided fasteners for one-way assembly of wings, replacing the standard two-piece units. They also are targeting advanced carbon-fiber composite materials and numerical analysis models for predicting structural behavior.
According to GKN, the project will seek to validate ways to monitor and minimize the environmental impact of manufacturing processes. The partners will assess emissions and sustainability metrics such as volatile organic compounds, carbon dioxide, waste, water, and energy.
Airbus has worked on the SusWingS program for six months and expects to complete the project in the first quarter of 2026.

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

GKN Increases Commitment to Airbus' Sustainable Wing Project

SusWingS is aiming to develop a new generation, greener aircraft wing

Airbus's Sustainable Wing Solutions program is looking to develop a new aircraft wing that OEMs can can produce with a lower environmental footprint.

GKN Ups Commitment to Airbus' Sustainable Wing Project

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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 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.

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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

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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.

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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.

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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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