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

Airline, airport, aerospace, and air traffic control industry groups have called on European Commission (EC) president Ursula von der Leyen to reboot its aviation strategy to emphasize economic growth and competitiveness alongside efforts to decarbonize. In a <a href="https://www.asd-europe.org/news-media/news-events/news/destination-2050-roadmap-2025/">report published on Tuesday</a> in Brussels, the groups issued new policy recommendations to update the existing report "Destination 2050—A Route to Net Zero European Aviation" with demands for a more proactive and joined-up approach from the newly-appointed Commission.
Airlines for Europe (A4E), along with Airports Council International; Aerospace, Security and Defence Industries Association of Europe;&nbsp;air navigation services group CANSO; and the European Regions Airline Association, called on Von der Leyen to implement the recommendations on aviation sustainability and competitiveness presented to her back in September 2024 in a report by former Italian prime minister and European Central Bank president Mario Draghi. Their policy demands reflect a desire to see more effective policy implementation combined with less regulatory burden on the industry in the context of Europe’s stagnant economies.
Core recommendations were led by a call to introduce new market mechanisms to “rapidly bring down the cost” of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). The industry associations called for the EC’s Clean Industrial Deal and the Sustainable Transport Investment Plan to reflect the strategic importance of aviation in Europe. They also demanded more investment in reducing fuel burn through programs like Clean Aviation to advance new aircraft technologies and the SESAR reforms to air traffic management.
“With efficient European Union policy measures, we can secure aviation’s vital and strategic importance and continue driving social and economic progress throughout Europe,” said the groups’ chairs in a joint statement. “The new Destination 2050 report shows that the European aviation industry has a clear and actionable pathway to reach net-zero carbon by 2050, but urgent action must happen now.”
According to the updated Destination 2050 report, SAF—along with improved aircraft and engine technology—could deliver as much as 83% in reductions in emissions from air transport by 2050.

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

European Aviation Groups Demand Decarbonization Policy Progress from EC

Update to Destination 2050 Net Zero report includes new policy demands for European Commission

Airline, aerospace, airport, and air traffic management groups have called on the European Commission president to implement reforms presented in September 2024.

European Aviation Groups Demand Net-zero Policy Progress

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

Curt Epstein

News and developments about aviation fuel, including jet fuel, aviation gasoline, and biofuel.

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.

Vermont’s Heritage Aviation is the first customer to sign on

Avfuel Brings SAF to Northeast U.S. Via New Jersey

Sarah Rose

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.

Company aims for renewable energy at all sites by 2030

Embraer Hopes for Bright Skies Ahead with Solar Installation

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

Designation expands deicing service offerings

Western Aircraft Joins Goodrich Deicing Service Network

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.

Oilseed crop pongamia could provide a stable raw material supply

Plantation Established in Australia for SAF Feedstock

Kerry Lynch

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.

Orgs say 10 years is necessary to ensure market certainty

Aviation Orgs Urge Congress To Extend Clean Fuel Credit

The company was the first to bring SAF to Switzerland starting in 2020

Jet Aviation Adds Basel Headquarters to SAF Supply Locations

New developments at FBOs including regulations and noise issues; legal disputes; openings, acquisitions and mergers.

More In Environment

Avfuel Brings SAF to Northeast U.S. Via New Jersey

Vermont’s Heritage Aviation is the first customer to sign on

Embraer Hopes for Bright Skies Ahead with Solar Installation

Company aims for renewable energy at all sites by 2030

Western Aircraft Joins Goodrich Deicing Service Network

Designation expands deicing service offerings

Plantation Established in Australia for SAF Feedstock

Oilseed crop pongamia could provide a stable raw material supply

Aviation Orgs Urge Congress To Extend Clean Fuel Credit

Orgs say 10 years is necessary to ensure market certainty

Jet Aviation Adds Basel Headquarters to SAF Supply Locations

The company was the first to bring SAF to Switzerland starting in 2020

Another California Airport Joining the SAF Set

Green fuel to be offered by ACI Jet, the lone FBO on the field

IATA Disappointed in Slow SAF Growth

Association notes production ramp-ups have been delayed

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