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

Soaring prices for jet-A fuel caused by Iran’s blockade of the Strait of Hormuz have prompted the Singapore government to defer a SAF levy that was due to take effect from April 1. On Thursday, the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS) announced that the start date for the new passenger-based charge will now apply for flights booked from October 1 for departures from Jan 1, 2027.
The SAF levy, which was <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/business-aviation/2026-03-15/singapore-saf-levy-targets-biz-av-flight-bookings-next">announced in November 2025</a>, applies to all passengers departing Singapore, as well as cargo shipments and business aviation flights. CAAS said it is maintaining a blending target of 1% SAF usage on flights from Singapore in 2027, with the intention to increase the target to between 3% and 5% by 2030. A voluntary trial that started in February will continue as planned this year.
“Singapore remains firmly committed to aviation decarbonization,” said CAAS director general Han Kok Juan. “We are taking a pragmatic pause in view of the current situation. We will continue to work closely with our aviation industry partners and monitor global developments.”
Under the levy, a fee of between S$100 and S$1,040—depending on the distance flown—would be charged for passengers flying on a Bombardier Challenger 650. For a larger Gulfstream G650, the rate would range from between S$190 and S$1,950.

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

Singapore Delays SAF Levy Due to Iran War Jet-A Price Spike

Passenger levy had been due to start for flights booked from April 1

The Singapore government has pushed back the start date for a SAF levy by six months due to jet-A fuel prices that have doubled since the start of the Iran war.

Singapore Delays SAF Levy Due to Jet-A Price Spike

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

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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.

Program evaluates flight departments on environmental responsibility efforts

4Air To Support NBAA Sustainability Accreditation

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

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.

Report highlights lack of transparency and consistency in SAF requirements 

European Airlines Demand Changes to ReFuelEU Rules

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

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.

Partners aim to integrate more effective sensors on aircraft to measure contrail formation

Honeywell and Boeing Seek Improved Contrail Assessments

Charlotte Bailey

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.

Charter bookings for journeys from October will be subject to an upcoming surcharge

Singapore SAF Levy Targets Bizav Flight Bookings Next Month 

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 concerning the aviation charter and fractional-ownership industries and markets, including company announcements, regulations, new developments and labor issues.

Pan Européenne Air Service orders upcoming hybrid-electric aircraft 

Aura Aero Logs First Firm Order For Hybrid Regional Airliner

Hanneke Weitering

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

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.

First supplemental type certificate for ‘Zero Engine Taxi’ expected in 2027

FAA Accepts ‘Zero Engine Taxi’ Certification Plan

Environmental research aircraft is set to be decommissioned 

Funding Pulled For UK’s Meteorological Airborne Laboratory 

Curt Epstein

News and developments about aviation fuel, including jet fuel, aviation gasoline, and biofuel.

NBAA Schedulers & Dispatchers 2026

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