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

AerCap is leasing three new Boeing 737 Max 8 airliners to African carrier FlySafair. The agreement was announced on Tuesday at the Dubai Airshow, with deliveries expected to start in the first quarter of 2028.
In the third quarter of 2026, South Africa-based FlySafair is due to receive a pair of Boeing 737-800NG aircraft from AerCap. The carrier launched its services in 2024 and operates domestic routes to 10 cities in South Africa, as well as five international routes to neighboring countries.
In another show announcement, Gulf Air finalized firm orders for 15 of Boeing's 787 Dreamliners. The Bahrain-based carrier also booked options for three more of the widebody as part of plans to expand its international network. Having updated a contract first drawn up in July, the carrier has increased the number of 787s it has on order to 17.
On Monday, West Africa’s Air Senegal placed orders with Boeing for nine 737 Max aircraft, which it will use to expand its services from Dakar to Europe, the Middle East, and the Americas. The deal is the airline’s largest fleet purchase to date, and its first Boeing order since 2004. According to the manufacturer, more than 80 airlines operate 737s around the world.
“This acquisition marks a major milestone for Air Senegal,” said the carrier’s CEO, Tidiane Ndiaye. "This order is part of Air Senegal's strategy to strengthen and modernize its fleet in order to support the expansion of its regional and intercontinental network and reinforce&nbsp;Dakar’s&nbsp;position as a leading aviation hub in&nbsp;West Africa."
The 737-8 can carry up to 178 passengers in a two-class configuration and has a maximum range of 3,500 nm.

News about commercial airlines, including regulations, aircraft orders, safety, acquisitions, and mergers.

African Carriers Expand Network with New Boeing 737 Max Deals

Boeing also announced deals with FlySafair, Air Sénégal and Gulf Air

South Africa’s FlySafair is leasing three 737-8s from AerCap, while Boeing booked nine more sales with West Africa-based Air Sénégal at the Dubai Airshow.

African Carriers Expand Network with Boeing 737s

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

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 issues relating to international air transport and cargo carriers, national airlines and regional airlines, including aircraft, engines, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security and training.

FlyDubai and Air Europa also signed new deals with Airbus in Dubai

Etihad Boosts Widebody Fleet with Airbus A330/350 Deal

Charlotte Bailey

New and returning customers for the E-Jet family sign Embraer’s first show orders

Embraer Lands Helvetic, Air Côte d’Ivoire Orders at Dubai Airshow

Air Algérie has ordered eight of the A330neo widebodies

Algerian Flag Carrier Receives First A330-900 Aircraft

News and developments about everything that goes into the cabin of an aircraft, from floor coverings to headliners, with a special emphasis on in-flight entertainment, communications and other electronics for passengers. If it is in the cabin of an aircraft, it’s covered here.

UAE-based operator is growing its fleet of Boeing 737-800 freighters

Global South Trade Growth Drives Cargo Carrier SolitAir

Peter Shaw-Smith

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.

Will the Gulf carriers' ambitious fleet expansion outrun demand?

Middle East Airlines’ Orders Set To Double Fleet Size

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.

Flagcarrier validates air taxi flight operation model with helicopter demonstrations

Korean Air Completes Country's First UAM Flight Demonstration

Agreement could extend to orders for up to 100 of the four-passenger Midnight aircraft

Korean Air Partners With eVTOL Aircraft Developer Archer

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

Dubai Airshow 2025

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