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

As it looks to rekindle growth in 2024, business aircraft management and charter operator Luxaviation UK is adding three jets to its fleet. The first of these, an Embraer Praetor 600, was formally unveiled at its new London Biggin Hill Airport base this week, and two more are due to arrive before the end of next month.
According to Luxaviation UK CEO George Galanopoulos, demand in 2023 was softer than in the Covid-bounceback year that preceded it. While hoping the market would stabilize, he acknowledged potentially destabilizing factors such as two major military conflicts, rising interest rates, and inflation. “In some cases, new [charter] customers started going back to the airlines, which have been getting their act together again after the pandemic,” he commented during the event at Biggin Hill on Wednesday attended by 150 industry representatives.
The Luxaviation group holds air operator certificates (AOCs) in 15 countries with a combined fleet of more than 260 jets and helicopters. Apart from the UK arm, Galanopoulos told AIN&nbsp;that the AOCs in Dubai and San Marino are also seeing new owners look to put their aircraft under management.
In recent years, Galanopoulos and his London-based team have found management and charter clients to be increasingly mindful of the environmental impact of their travel arrangements. He said more people want to be able to choose to pay the premium for sustainable aviation fuel, wherever this can be sourced. In some cases, he said that customers insist on using a smaller aircraft even if they can afford a larger one, believing that this will make them less visible and more unlikely to attract adverse attention from those opposed to private aviation.
While Luxaviation’s various AOC operations benefit from economies of scale across the group, each national entity enjoys some latitude in how they deliver their services. In Galanopoulos’ view, this is important in avoiding the impression that customers might not get individual, personalized attention.
It is now four years since the UK left the European Union as part of the Brexit process. Galanopoulos told AIN that separation from EASA’s regulatory framework continues to cause significant problems for UK operators in terms of requirements for pilot licensing and airworthiness approvals that complicate cross-border operations.
“I knew this would be a nightmare, and it is,” he commented. “While flight permit [processes] have settled down a bit and we have bilateral agreements with most European countries, this is nothing like what we wanted it to be. Pilot licensing, as the shortage only gets worse, is a nightmare, and the same applies to airworthiness and simulator approvals; and it’s nothing more than politics.”
The new Praetor 600 is being managed by Luxaviation for a private owner.

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

Luxaviation Adds Embraer Praetor Business Jet to UK Charter Fleet

The new aircraft is one of three new arrivals anticipated before the end of March

Luxaviation UK is adding a new Embraer Praetor 600 to its fleet and will operate the super-midsized jet for charter from a base at London Biggin Hill Airport.

Luxaviation Adds Embraer Praetor to UK Charter Fleet

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

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 information on safety procedures and concerns.

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.

Celebrity charter flight was deliberately filed as a private operation

Aircraft Owners Risk UK Bans for Flying Illegal Charters

Jet cards can be a step up in convenience over one-off charter bookings.

Flying Privately: What Is a Jet Card and How Do They Work?

News and issues regarding all manner of civil and military rotorcraft and their powerplants, including helicopters, tilt rotors and unmanned air vehicles.

Sales agreement signed as German manufacturer seeks funding to avoid insolvency

French Helicopter Operator Signs For Volocopter's VoloCity eVTOL

Compared with full ownership, fractional requires a lot less responsibility for the owner.

Flying Privately: Discussing Fractional Aircraft Ownership with Flexjet's Mike Silvestro

Sarah Rose

News and issues concerning general aviation, specifically airplanes and helicopters powered by piston and alternative engines (i.e., non-turbine powered aircraft). Subjects include aircraft, engines, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security and training.

In this article

Embraer Praetor 600

Biggin Hill Airport

Luxaviation Management Company S.A.

More In Charter & Fractional

Aircraft Owners Risk UK Bans for Flying Illegal Charters

Celebrity charter flight was deliberately filed as a private operation

Flying Privately: What Is a Jet Card and How Do They Work?

Jet cards can be a step up in convenience over one-off charter bookings.

French Helicopter Operator Signs For Volocopter's VoloCity eVTOL

Sales agreement signed as German manufacturer seeks funding to avoid insolvency

Flying Privately: Discussing Fractional Aircraft Ownership with Flexjet's Mike Silvestro

Compared with full ownership, fractional requires a lot less responsibility for the owner.

West Star Aviation Expands MRO Facility in Chattanooga

Includes a new 40,000-sq-ft maintenance hangar

Air Charter Service Opens Doors in Italy

The opening marks the company’s 35th global office

VIP-Fly Expands Concierge Services to Manchester Airport

Premium lounges, optional chauffeur service also offered

AirSprint Welcomes 40th Aircraft to Canadian Fleet

New Embraer jet increases fractional ownership capacity

AIN Products

SUBSCRIPTIONS

RESOURCES

ABOUT AIN