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

The British government is to task the new UK Airspace Design Service (UKADS) with reshaping air traffic management processes to make more efficient use of the country’s airspace, while also reducing the carbon and noise impact of flights. Plans for the agency were confirmed on Tuesday by the Department for Transport and Civil Aviation Authority following a <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/speeches/response-to-the-consultation-on-plans-for-a-uk-airspace-design-service-ukads">consultation process</a>.
UKADS will redesign routes in what will be the first significant airspace changes since the 1950s. The group should be up and running by year-end and will work with the en-route division at air navigation service provider NATS. Further detailed consultation over possible changes is expected to start in September.
Much of the project’s initial focus will be on developing airspace changes for the London area, which is the most complex area in the UK and where improvements are expected to have the most prospect for improving efficiency. Changes will apply to all airports around the UK capital and will take into account the planned third runway at Heathrow Airport (EGLL).
The cost of UKADS’ work will be covered by the air transport industry through new charges that will mainly apply to airlines. These will be collected in a new Airspace Design Support Fund.

News, issues, personnel, equipment and developments about air traffic management.

Redesign of UK Airspace Will Start with London Airports

Aircraft operators will be charged a new fee to support the work

The UK Airspace Design Service is implementing a redesign of the country’s airspace intended to transform operational efficiency and reduce noise and emissions.

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

Curt Epstein

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

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 project wrapped two weeks early after 24/7 effort

Conclusion of KEWR Runway Rehab Could Ease Traffic Woes

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.

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.

Bolen said system needs addition $18.5 billion over three years

ATC Modernization Becomes Urgent Focus of FAA Reauthorization

Amy Wilder

News and information on safety procedures and concerns.

Predictive engine designed to support tower situational awareness

NoamAI Launches Artificial Intelligence ATC Assistant

Hanneke Weitering

News and issues relating to civil and military unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS) of all kinds and sizes, including those used for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR), combat (unmanned combat air vehicles, or UCAVs), law enforcement, research and other applications. Of particular focus is the FAA's planned integration of UAS into the U.S. national airspace system.

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