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

Inmarsat’s Jet ConneX service is set to bring unprecedented inflight connectivity rates of up to 50MB per second to the first paying business aviation customers this year, following an anticipated wave of supplemental type certificates (STCs) for a variety of aircraft applications. The most recent breakthrough was Bombardier’s STC in March to install the Honeywell JetWave-based system on its Global family of aircraft, while Rockwell Collins announced here at EBACE that it had validated the performance of Jet ConneX, which forms part of its ArincDirect services.
The second half of the year is expected to see STCs for other mainstream business aircraft, such as the Gulfstream G450 and G550, as well as for the Dassault Falcon 900 and VIP versions of the Airbus A330 and Boeing 777. “The goal for this year is to hit every major business aviation platform with an STC,” Inmarsat’s business aviation v-p Kurt Weidemeyer told AIN.
The Jet ConneX service designated specifically for business aircraft users is being marketed by various service providers, including Satcom Direct, Gogo, Arinc Direct and Satcom 1. Since the third quarter of 2015, the new Inmarsat-5 satellite constellation, on which the service is based, has been serving other sectors such as maritime operators.
Meanwhile, Inmarsat’s European Aviation Network, which will produce a combined network using both satellites and LTE ground stations as an alternative way to deliver high speed broadband, is due to go operational in the first quarter of 2017 and eventually should provide connection rates for 75MB per second. Inmarsat (Booth A023) is partnering with Deutsche Telekom in this project, which is intended as a lower cost solution that will be better suited to smaller aircraft that cannot carry the larger antenna required for Jet ConneX.
“We are now seeing a very high level of interest in Jet ConneX to the extent that we are now having issues with [achieving] the STCs and scheduling engineering work,” said Weidemeyer. “We are seeing interest from operators seeking the ability to offer video conferencing in the sky, which will work better with Jet ConneX than it does with the existing SwiftBroadband service. People are also excited that they can use IP-based TV services with multiple live streamed channels running in an aircraft at the same time.”

News and developments about everything that goes into the cabin of an aircraft, from floor coverings to headliners, with a special emphasis on in-flight entertainment, communications and other electronics for passengers. If it is in the cabin of an aircraft, it’s covered here.

JetConnex Broadband Close to Bizav Service Entry

JetConnex is being offered specifically for business aviation users and is based on the new Inmarsat-5 satellite constellation.

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

Matt Thurber

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.

Flight-tracking service is available for display on passengers' devices

FlightPath3D and Gogo Extend Bizav Partnership

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.

The German company is taking a new approach to aerospace display technology.

Zeiss Microoptics Brings New Display Tech to Aircraft Cabin, Cockpit

New developments and products in avionics, specifically about aircraft electronics in the cockpit.

ProSight technology is being demonstrated at the Farnborough Airshow

Zeiss Debuts New Approach to Cockpit and Cabin Displays 

Expands company’s offerings for high-speed, global connectivity

Pro Star Delivers G280 Gogo Galileo Satcom Installation

New service plans distinguish between a single area and global coverage

Starlink Doubles Aviation Prices, Adds Region Boundaries

Amy Wilder

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.

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Gogo Galileo Now Available for Gulfstream G650/G650ER

HDX antenna installed under the tail-mounted radome

Gogo Galileo Satcom Now Factory Option on Pilatus PC-24

System is FAA- and EASA-certified

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