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

Private aviation membership program JetSmarter is expanding its flight capacity through an agreement with charter operator Jet Edge International to buy all its empty-leg hours and make them available to JetSmarter members&nbsp;at no additional charge above their annual membership fee of $9,000. JetSmarter has agreed to pay up to $350 million over the next seven years to purchase up to 35,000 flight hours from U.S.-based Jet Edge, which has a fleet including a mix of Gulfstream G650, G200, G550 and GIVSP jets, as well as some Bombardier Global 6000s. For the first time, it will offer intercontinental flights.

 


Under its JetDeals program,&nbsp;JetSmarter members can book between two and five free seats on an unlimited number of empty-leg flights, which are posted at short notice on the program’s app. The company pledges that over 100,000 free seats will be made available annually to an unspecified number of members that it says is growing at a rate of 30 percent.

 


Another membership service is Jet Shuttle, which offers scheduled charter flights flown by Part 135 partner operators under Part 380 rules. Members can choose from the published list of scheduled services or can even request new shuttle services. For example, its New York to Miami flights are operated with a Bombardier Challenger 850 and a Learjet 45. Each member is entitled to one free seat on an unlimited number of shuttle flights and can also purchase seats for non-members.

 


JetSmarter members can also book ad hoc charter flights at what the company says are wholesale flight hour rates. Non-members also can book charters, but at higher rates.

 


To fund the expansion of its charter capacity, JetSmarter has raised $52 million through three capitalization offerings since July 2015. The Delaware-based company is owned by a group of unnamed private investors. The provisional $350 million agreement with JetEdge constitutes its largest ever commitment to an operator. Although, it would not confirm the agreed flight-hour pricing for JetEdge’s empty legs, the numbers involved imply an average rate of $10,000 per hour.

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

JetSmarter Membership Program Expands 'Free' Empty Legs

JetSmarter members pay annual dues of $9,000 for access to free empty-leg flights and shuttle services.

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 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.

Europe-based group is adding a pair of Bombardier Global 8000 jets, plus a 6500

Middle East and Africa Fuel Comlux’s Charter Growth

Matt Thurber

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.

Lack of rental engines is a focus of the complaint

ATI Jet Lawsuit Alleges Hourly Service Plan Setbacks

The Hong Kong-based operator now has almost 50 business aircraft

China’s Sino Jet Expands Charter Fleet with Second G700

Jessica Reed

Program launches with HondaJet HA-420 and Bombardier Challenger 3500

Honda Aircraft Unit Backs Thrive Fractional Jet Program

Amy Wilder

Elite Jets, MaxAir keep names, add Priester co-brand

Priester Aviation Unifies Companies under One Brand

Program lets non-members compare pricing before booking

BlueSky Extends Pricing Access to Non-members

Hourly rates range from turboprops to VIP airliners

Paramount Business Jets Guide Details 2026 Charter Rates

Kerry Lynch

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.

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