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

Bombardier manufactures a variety of business aircraft models, provides engineering, and aircraft maintenance services.

Bombardier Global Express, XRS, 5000, 5500, 6000, and 6500

Charles Alcock

Private charter flight operator Opul Jets is installing SpaceX's Starlink satellite connectivity platform on its fleet. The system is expected to deliver download speeds ranging from 40 to 220 Mbps and upload speeds of 8 to 25 Mbps with latency of under 99 milliseconds.
The first installation is on the UK-based operator’s 16-seat Global Express XRS. Opul’s all-Bombardier fleet includes a mix of midsize, super-midsize, and ultra-long-range jets. It is in the process of adding a Cessna Citation CJ2.
The installation of the Starlink hardware was completed during maintenance checks by ACC Columbia in Germany, supported by SpaceX subsidiary Starlink Aviation using a Nextant Aerospace supplemental type certificate. The outfitting includes an antenna, a power supply unit, and a pair of wireless access points.
Opul Jets operates from bases at London Biggin Hill Airport, Ronaldsway Airport on the Isle of Man, Dubai’s Al Maktoum International Airport, and Mumbai, India. Its operations are conducted under air operator certificates held by UK-based SaxonAir Charter and Av8Jet Charter in Malta.
The group’s CEO, Harry Ackerman, told AIN he is working to acquire an AOC holder based in an EASA state to give UK-based Opul Jets unrestricted access to the European Union market. He said this move would allow it to base aircraft throughout Europe and also have access to locally licensed aircrew. The company is also acquiring the Jet Centre FBO on the Isle of Man, which is being upgraded.
According to Tomás Camprubí, managing director of charter broker Luna Jets’ UK division, high-bandwidth connectivity is an increasingly important service differentiator for operators. He said the the cost of installation and service provision has been reduced significantly with the entry of alternatives to geostationary orbit Ka-band systems, such as the low-earth-orbit Starlink. The system is priced at $150,000 (not including installation), and monthly service costs range from&nbsp;20 GB for $2,000 per month (plus $100/GB additional) and global unlimited for $10,000 per month.
“So far this year, demand for flights has been fairly flat but we’re seeing forward bookings for the summer season up by 20 percent,” he commented. “Thirty percent of our clients own their own aircraft and come to us for additional travel needs.”

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

Opul Jets Seeks Charter Market Edge With Starlink High-Speed Connectivity 

The UK-based operator is installing the SpaceX technology on its Bombardier fleet

UK-based charter group Opul Jets is acquiring an EASA air operator certificate holder to give it unrestricted access to the European Union market.

Opul Jets Seeks Charter Market Edge With Starlink Connectivity 

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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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Global 5000 and 6000 Series

Bombardier

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