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

JetWind Power &nbsp;is urging airports to harness energy generated by engine thrust as airplanes start taxiing to the runway. According to the Texas-based start-up, a three-year trial operation at Dallas Love Field Airport (KDAL) established that each of its Energy Capturing Pods, which consist of five small airfoil wind turbines enclosed by a protective mesh, can generate between 50 and 80 kilowatts of electricity each day.
The company acknowledged that the effectiveness of the technology depends on how close the patented pods can be installed to where aircraft start running their engines. According to JetWind founder and president T.O. Souryal, the units are more productive at relatively enclosed airports. One undisclosed European airport is in talks to install the equipment at the back of its ground runup enclosure.
JetWind’s engineering team is now working on its own design for compact generators that can more effectively store and distribute produced energy. Harnessed energy can feed into the airport’s grid or can be collected in batteries stored in a trailer that, for example, could be used to recharge electric ramp vehicles.
At KDAL, the pods provide power for the terminal building, where passengers can take advantage of a free charging station for electronic devices. Five pods are installed at the airport, with eight more due to be installed.
According to Souryal, who is an orthopedic surgeon and physician for the Dallas Mavericks basketball team, the pods could be used by airport service businesses such as FBOs. JetWind has held discussions with the airliner maintenance departments of United and American Airlines, and the company is also considering a proposal to install the pods at heliports.
With dimensions of around 10 by three feet, the pods can be installed directly on the ground or a pedestal, depending on the optimum position to capture wind from aircraft engines. Souryal told AIN that set-up cost for a five-pod installation would be roughly the same as a couple of Tesla cars.
“Wherever you see a wind deflector at an airport, we could put pods,” Souryal said. “Man-made wind that would otherwise be wasted is now a useful resource, reducing stress on energy grids and paving the way for smarter, greener infrastructure worldwide.”
JetWind is also exploring off-airport installations. It has held discussions with French railways group SNCF to install pods along the high-speed line between Paris and Lyon to collect wind generated by passing TGV trains. The company said it has also had interest from prospective customers in the UK, Australia, Ecuador, Brazil, and Switzerland.

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

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JetWind’s trials at Dallas Love Field Airport have found that each set of five wind turbines can generate between 50 and 80 kilowatts of electricity per day.

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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 developments about airplanes, helicopters and unmanned air vehicles used in all varieties of operations, including airlines, military, business, commercial, general aviation and private.

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

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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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.

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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.

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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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