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 aircraft owners, operators, and pilots now face fines of up to £10,000 ($12,700) if they fail to provide the UK Border Force with advance passenger information (API) online before departing to or from the country. Previously, API data could be submitted by email, fax, or other manual methods.
The requirement took effect from April 6, having been approved by the UK parliament in November. According to the government, the change will help the Border Force to more effectively deploy personnel to address security concerns about travelers. The agency said it is committed to screening 100 percent of all general aviation flights it is notified about.
In March, the UK’s former chief inspector of border security published allegations that the Border Force had consistently <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/business-aviation/2024-03-27/inspector-criticizes-uk-private-aviation-security-checks">failed to screen business aircraft</a> arriving at London City Airport. In January, the government reduced the number of general aviation airfields approved to receive international flights by 84%. Announcing the new requirements, the UK minister for legal migration, Tom Pursglove, said the changes form “part of wider work to boost security in the general aviation space and keep our borders secure to counter terrorism, prevent and detect crime, and for immigration purposes.”
Business aviation airports and FBOs in the UK are now having to make significant investments in enhanced security technology. On Monday, Farnborough Airport announced it spent £3 million on a security upgrade that includes a pair of the latest C3 baggage screening systems that allow passengers to avoid having to remove laptop computers and other electronic devices, as well as up to two liters in liquids, from their personal bags. Last week, London City Airport’s <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/business-aviation/2024-05-29/enhanced-security-deployed-london-city-fbo">Private Jet Centre</a> announced it also invested in the same technology and expects to have it operational before July.
During the British Business &amp; General Aviation Association’s annual conference in March, FBOs and aircraft operators complained about the rising cost of security arrangements. Speakers criticized the UK Civil Aviation Authority for specifying equipment for which there are limited numbers of suppliers. They said this has pushed up costs due to a lack of competition, resulting in items such as swabs used to check bags for illegal substances costing £500 for 100 tests.

News and information about crew, passenger, aircraft and airport security issues.

UK Tightens Private Aviation Passenger Security Requirements 

Operators, pilots, and owners can be fined £10,000 for not complying

The UK is tightening security for private aviation, forcing FBOs to invest in new equipment and restricting the number of airports with international flights.

UK Tightens Bizav Passenger Security Requirements 

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

Matt Thurber

News and information on safety procedures and concerns.

News and issues relating to international air transport and cargo carriers, national airlines and regional airlines, including aircraft, engines, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security and training.

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.

Research could help controllers understand non-English speaker dialogue

Honeywell RASP Can Make Radio Calls More  Understandable

Basic training is intended to raise security awareness among aviation professionals

MedAire Launches Aviation Security Awareness Course

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.

The FAA released a long-awaited rulemaking as it attempts to catch up with its European counterpart

Cybersecurity Takes Step Forward 

Many flight departments are not prepared for security breaches

Securing Your Operation and Being Ready for 'Crazy'

Curt Epstein

Added protocols involve electronic approvals ahead of flights

New Israel Entry Procedures Now in Effect

News about environmental issues relating to aircraft operations, including noise issues, emissisions, and regulations. See Fuel for biofuel.

Prosecutors said spraypainting caused €1 million in damages

Two Protestors Jailed for CitationJet Attack in Germany

Jennifer Leach English

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

Embraer spinoff is now targeting type certification for its four-passenger eVTOL in 2027

Passengers Tried To Board eVTOL Trial Flights Drunk and with Gun

Amy Wilder

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

In this article

Farnborough Airport

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Basic training is intended to raise security awareness among aviation professionals

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The FAA released a long-awaited rulemaking as it attempts to catch up with its European counterpart

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Many flight departments are not prepared for security breaches

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Embraer spinoff is now targeting type certification for its four-passenger eVTOL in 2027

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Publicly available flight data puts some bizav operators at risk

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