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

Vietjet has confirmed the selection of Pratt &amp; Whitney’s Geared Turbofan (GTF) engines to power 44 A320neo airliners, which it will start adding to its fleet from July 2026. The agreement signed on Wednesday at the Singapore Airshow also covers a 12-year EngineWise comprehensive maintenance plan.
The 24 A321neos and 20 A321XLRs are part of a 100-ship firm order that Vietjet placed with Airbus in October 2025. This brought the total order commitment for the A321 to 280 aircraft and followed a May 2025 deal covering 20 of the larger A330neos.
As Vietnam’s largest privately owned airline, the carrier operates from its base in Ho Chi Minh. It ordered its first A321s in 2018 and has a fleet of 42 GTF-powered A321neos.
“The GTF engine is powering our growth with industry-leading operating economics and fuel efficiency of up to 20% [lower than earlier aircraft],” said Vietjet managing director Nguyen Thanh Son. “We continue to trust in the long-term, comprehensive and responsible partnership with Pratt &amp; Whitney.”
The manufacturer has delivered engines for more than 2,600 GTF-powered aircraft, operated by 90-plus airlines. It said the turbofans have a 75% lower noise footprint than the prior generation of engines.

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

Vietjet Opts for More Pratt & Whitney GTF-Powered A321s

New agreement includes a 12-year maintenance plan

Vietjet has opted to have a batch of 44 new Airbus A321 airliners powered by Pratt & Whitney's Geared Turbofan engines.

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

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

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

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.

Ground tests will be done at either Changi or Seletar airports 

CFM Picks Singapore for RISE Engine Airport Trials

Charlotte Bailey

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.

Experimental technology intended to complement existing engine nacelle capabilities 

ST Engineering Unveils Bizav Thrust Reverser Demonstrator

Chad Trautvetter

News and issues about aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), covering all segments of the aviation industry; and modifications for aircraft and engines. Subjects include product support of aircraft, engines and avionics, MRO company mergers, acquisitions, announcements and personnel, Airworthiness Directives, Supplemental Type Certificate approvals and other topics.

Robots cut time and man-hours for inspections and engine core and compressor stacking

Pratt’s Eagle Services Asia Engine MRO Leverages Automation

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 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.

Work is aimed at developing future narrowbody airliner powertrains

GE Completes Hybrid-electric Engine Demonstrator Ground Test 

Matt Thurber

Agreement also extends the fractional-share operator’s maintenance service plan

Billion-dollar Settlement Ends Honeywell, Flexjet Fight

Amy Wilder

Yukon propeller boosts performance as well

Blackhawk Upgrade Targets Faster Seaplane Operations

Issues regarding financing of aircraft; aviation insurance; tax issues for aircraft operators; new companies and people in the aviation financing and insurance industries.

Singapore Airshow 2026

In this article

Pratt & Whitney

More In Engines

CFM Picks Singapore for RISE Engine Airport Trials

Ground tests will be done at either Changi or Seletar airports

ST Engineering Unveils Bizav Thrust Reverser Demonstrator

Experimental technology intended to complement existing engine nacelle capabilities

Pratt’s Eagle Services Asia Engine MRO Leverages Automation

Robots cut time and man-hours for inspections and engine core and compressor stacking

GE Completes Hybrid-electric Engine Demonstrator Ground Test

Work is aimed at developing future narrowbody airliner powertrains

Billion-dollar Settlement Ends Honeywell, Flexjet Fight

Agreement also extends the fractional-share operator’s maintenance service plan

Blackhawk Upgrade Targets Faster Seaplane Operations

Yukon propeller boosts performance as well

Honeywell Reveals Possible $470M Flexjet Lawsuit Cost

Complaint was filed in 2023 and alleged breach of engine maintenance agreement

GE’s Latest Passport Engine Receives EASA Approval

Move clears the way for European certification of Global 8000

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