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

Riyadh Air has agreed to buy a pair of CAE’s 7000XR full-flight simulators to train pilots to operate its Airbus A321neo aircraft. The new Saudi Arabian carrier signed the contract at the Dubai Airshow on Tuesday.
The devices will be installed at Riyadh Air’s training facility in Saudi Arabia. In 2023, the airline signed an agreement with CAE covering training center operations for its Boeing 787-9 widebody airliners with two full-flight simulators and a flight training device.
In addition to delivering the A321neo simulators, CAE will also handle maintenance for the equipment and keep its qualification status up to date. Riyadh Air launched commercial services on October 26 with daily flights from the Saudi capital to London Heathrow Airport, and it will soon start operating to Dubai.
“We highly value our strong and collaborative partnership with CAE, whose delivery and ongoing support of the full-flight simulators we have procured is integral to Riyadh Air’s operational readiness,” said Martin Eiba, acting COO of Riyadh Air. “These state-of-the-art CAE simulators will form a core pillar of our pilot training ecosystem, ensuring our pilots are trained to the highest levels of proficiency. This investment directly supports our shared commitment to safety, innovation, and operational excellence.”

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