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

Air bp is marking its 100th year of aircraft refueling this week. From small beginnings in 1926, the company now serves operators at 600 airports in 40 countries, delivering around 6.6 billion gallons of fuel annually, compared to just 2,582 gallons in the company’s second year of operations in 1927.
Early customers included aviation pioneers such as Neville Stack, who flew his De Havilland Moth biplane 6,000 miles from the UK to India in 1927 with multiple technical stops en route. In 1930, Winifred Brown won the King’s Cup air race with Air bp fuel in the tank of her Avro Avian.
In the 21st century, Air bp has invested in efforts to reduce air transport’s carbon footprint by increasing the availability of sustainable aviation fuel, such as for Virgin Atlantic’s first transatlantic flight with a widebody airliner using a 100% blend in 2023. The company has also introduced all-electric refueling vehicles at airports.
In 1949, Air bp introduced underwing fueling to avoid the need for staff to climb onto aircraft wings, contributing to faster and safer refueling. In the 1970s, the company pioneered the use of so-called super jet dispensers and jumbo refuelers to support growth in fleets of widebody airliners such as the Boeing 747. The group has allowed aircraft operators to purchase fuel using its card programs since 1993.
Rival energy group Shell lays claim to an even older heritage, having provided aircraft fuel since the early 1900s. It supported Louis Blériot’s crossing of the Channel in 1909 and the first nonstop transatlantic flight by captain John Alcock and his navigator Arthur Brown in 1919. In 1921, what became Shell Aviation installed an underground refueling system at Croydon Airport near London to replace refueling by hand.

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

Air bp Marks Centennial of Aircraft Refueling Service

Energy group supported flight pioneers in the 1920s

From fueling early aircraft in the 1920s to boosting the use of sustainable aviation fuel in the 21st century, Air bp is marking 100 years in the business. 

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.

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

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.

Aéroports de la Côte d’Azur teams with hydrogen business jet developer 

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Partners will prioritize applications in Brazil and the U.S.markets

Hitachi and Eve Team to Provide eVTOL Charging 

Chad Trautvetter

U.S. still relies on imported oil from Middle East for jet fuel

World Fuel: U.S. Jet-A Supply at ‘Critical Levels’

Amy Wilder

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.

All fuel types showed increases versus March

U.S. Aviation Fuel Prices Rise across the Board

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.

EASA and Eurocontrol are considering measures to save aircraft fuel 

Safety Guidance May Prompt Shift in Fuel Tankering Rules

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

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 operators incur sharps spike in fuel costs

AINsight: Fuel Crisis Could Be Tough Test for Bizav

The war with Iran is having lasting effects on aviation.

Aircraft Operators Face Imminent Jet Fuel Shortages Due to Iran War

Curt Epstein

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

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