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

Business aviation services group AMAC Aerospace is diversifying the technical expertise and upgrades it provides to aircraft owners and operators. New offerings from the Swiss company include Starlink satellite communications systems and installation of Elbit’s ground-to-air missile defense technology.
AMAC is now an official distributor of SpaceX’s Starlink kit, which provides connectivity at bandwidths of up to 200 Mbps and promises low latency by using low-earth-orbit satellites to deliver more dependable online service for passengers and crew. The company said it has already completed several Starlink installations.
Elbit’s Music family of airborne laser directed infrared countermeasure self-protection systems have attracted increased interest among VIP aircraft operators mindful of widening security threats in unstable locations. Three configurations are available: C-Music for commercial airliners and larger VIP jets; J-Music for military transports and tankers; and Mini-Music for small- and medium-sized fixed-wing and rotary aircraft.
AMAC is now an official partner of Elbit. The company said it offers turnkey solutions for the self-defense systems covering hardware procurement, installation, certification, and testing.
<h2>Strong MRO and Refurb Activity</h2>
Meanwhile, AMAC’s maintenance, repair, and overhaul division has remained busy based on what it says has been stable production rates from Airbus and Boeing. It provides everything from routine maintenance to highly customized cabin refurbishments and avionics suite modernization. According to the company, its priorities are to reduce downtime required for this work to minimize any operational disruption for clients.
AMAC’s main facility is in Basel, Switzerland, with additional capacity in Zurich. It also has engineering operations at Istanbul and Bodrum in Turkey and at Auch in France, where its JCB subsidiary now holds Part 145 authorization to conduct A and B checks on aircraft. The company has further offices in Riyadh and Beirut.
From the UK, AMAC’s Gamit subsidiary offers its Records Online Asset Management document management platform to help operators manage maintenance and other tasks for their fleets. The software tracks all aspects of tasks, including parts availability, technical requirements, and audits needed when aircraft are leased or sold. The system also maintains a complete digital archive of all records associated with fleet management.
As part of the industry's effort to reduce carbon emissions, AMAC—along with other contractors and suppliers—is subject to a sustainability audit by Airbus every three years. According to the company, it achieved full marks in the latest assessment.

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.

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