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

Textron Aviation has three Latin American debutantes among what looks to be the largest grouping of aircraft on the LABACE show static display this week. The Cessna Citation Latitude and CJ3+ are making their first appearances in this part of the world, as well as a Beechcraft King Air 250 newly equipped with Rockwell Collins’s Pro Line Fusion cockpit. The U.S. manufacturer also is displaying the Citation XLS+, the CJ4 and the M2 jets, along with the Grand Caravan EX turboprop and Beechcraft Baron and TTx pistons.

 


According to Bob Gibbs, Textron’s sales vice president for Latin America and the Caribbean, the recently certified Latitude is well suited to operators in this part of the world, offering an above-average combination of cabin size and mission capability in the midsize market segment. Maximum range is 2,850 nmi, allowing customers to reach North America or cross the Atlantic Ocean with a single stop from cities in Brazil, Argentina and Chile. From Mexico City, the aircraft can reach anywhere in the U.S. non-stop.

 


The flat-floor, six-foot-tall cabin provides a spacious and comfortable environment for passengers. For a full description of the Latitude see tomorrow’s edition of LABACE Convention News.

 


Citation CJ3+ On Tour

 


The new Citation CJ3+ recently achieved certification in Brazil and will be conducting a sales tour of Latin America through the end of August, having visited Mexico and Colombia en route to Brazil. The new light jet offers versatile short-field performance that can be especially advantageous in this part of the world.

 


Last week, Cessna received certification to offer TCAS II 7.1 collision-avoidance upgrades for the cockpits of earlier model Citations. The upgrade will be especially important for operations in Europe, where the new TCAS standard will be mandatory from the end of 2015.

 


New King Air Cockpit

 


Textron believes the recently certified Pro Line Fusion cockpit upgrade option for the King Air 250 will prove popular across Latin America, where there are already more than 1,000 King Air twin turboprops in service. The avionics suite features full touch-screen flight display systems and will give operators greater flexibility in the way they fly, navigate and communicate. Textron aims to certify Pro Line Fusion-equipped versions of the larger King Air 350i/ER model in the fourth quarter of this year, followed by the C90GTx in the first half of 2016.

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.

Latitude Leads Textron Trio Making Latin American Debuts

The Citation Latitude and CJ3+ jets are appearing at LABACE for the first time, along with a Pro Line Fusion-equipped King Air 250.

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

Kerry Lynch

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.

Aircraft from Canada appear to be exempt; not so in most other areas

Bizav Industry Grapples with Ramifications of Global Tariffs

Chad Trautvetter

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

Company’s next model will likely be hybrid-electric and based off of the TBM 960 or Kodiak 100/900

Daher Aims To Launch ‘More Electric’ Airplane in 2027

Curt Epstein

OEM saw a 28% increase from a year ago

Embraer First-quarter Bizjet Deliveries Rise from 2024

Hanneke Weitering

Tennessee Tech students will ground-test the ‘Whisper Ultralight’ powered glider

Whisper Aero and Tennessee Tech Team on Quiet Electric Glider

Matt Thurber

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

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.

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.

LABACE Convention News 2015

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