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

There are few situations in which supply chain constraints are more frustrating than when it comes to providing the parts and support to keep aircraft flying. Airbus Helicopters is not alone in finding this challenging, but Romain Trapp, the company’s executive v-p of customer support and services, believes 2024 will be a year in which it reaps the rewards of improvements introduced over the last couple of years.
Trapp, who was formerly CEO of Airbus Helicopters Inc. in the U.S., is in charge of helping 3,211 operators worldwide get the best from the 12,393 rotorcraft now in service. “Our main priority now is to fix the supply chain issues and get parts and repairs where they are needed, so we’re trying to make sure all our actions pay off for our customers,” he told reporters in a briefing ahead of the Heli-Expo show.
One of these actions has been to increase the amount of spare parts stock held in the manufacturer’s depots and service centers by $430 million. Acknowledging that it has taken too long to deliver some parts from warehouses, Trapp has placed 20 of his employees at the facilities of some of its suppliers to keep things moving.
Each year, 10 percent more Airbus customers sign up for its FlyScan predictive and corrective maintenance platform linked to a health and usage monitoring system suite that provides expert analysis of issues. Trapp said this typically results in two or three fewer AOG situations annually.
More than 20 percent of the Airbus fleet is now covered by the company’s HCare support and service program. One benefit is that parts availability is guaranteed to an average rate of 95 percent, and if this commitment isn’t met, the company pays penalties to operators.
Over the past year, the HMotion training program has added a new simulator center for H135 and H145 pilots. In 2025, a new H160 simulator will be installed at Airbus’ facility in Grand Prairie, Texas.

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.

Airbus Helicopters Says Service and Support Investment is Bearing Fruit

The company has increased the value of spare parts it holds to around $430 million

From boosting its parts inventories to placing employees at underperforming suppliers, Airbus Helicopters is pushing to keep rotorcraft customers flying.

Airbus Says Service and Support Investment Bearing Fruit

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.

Essential news and analysis on the defense aerospace business. Your trusted source for new and ongoing programs and requirements in military aircraft (manned and unmanned), engines, avionics, weapons and associated systems, including ground-based air defense.

Panel participants included Boeing, Gulfstream Aerospace, and West Star Aviation

Summit Highlights St. Louis Aero MRO and Manufacturing

Kerry Lynch

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.

What began 22 years ago as a Caravan project is now a busy multimillion-dollar business

Building Interiors at Yingling Aviation

MRO services for E1000 turboprops available at company’s Denver location

Stevens Aerospace Joins Epic Aircraft Service Network

Executives share their experience with system

Duncan Adds Gogo 5G to Company Citation Excel

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.

Heli-Expo 2024

In this article

Airbus Helicopters

More In Maintenance and Modifications

Summit Highlights St. Louis Aero MRO and Manufacturing

Panel participants included Boeing, Gulfstream Aerospace, and West Star Aviation

Building Interiors at Yingling Aviation

What began 22 years ago as a Caravan project is now a busy multimillion-dollar business

Stevens Aerospace Joins Epic Aircraft Service Network

MRO services for E1000 turboprops available at company’s Denver location

Duncan Adds Gogo 5G to Company Citation Excel

Executives share their experience with system

Australian Regulator Approves Textron Service Centers

Textron operates service centers in Melbourne, Perth, and Gold Coast

C&L Aerospace Tapped for Challenger Flutter Damper Mx

The company was selected by OEM Héroux-Devtek

Avcon Delivers Aerial Weapon in Florida Mosquito Fight

The Kansas-based company specializes in modifying airframes

Duncan Aviation Authorized for Honeywell APU Repairs

MRO’s Lincoln facility expects to bring work online in early 2027

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