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

Textron Aviation is about to start construction for an expanded and modernized service center at Melbourne Essendon Fields Airport (YMEN) in Australia. The U.S. aircraft manufacturer announced the project today, saying the enlarged facility is expected to open in early 2026 to provide increased support capacity for operators of Cessna, Beechcraft, and Hawker turboprops and jets.
“Building this new facility to support more than 1,400 aircraft operating in the Asia-Pacific region demonstrates our commitment to providing the strongest combination of factory-direct maintenance and service solutions available for our customers,” said Brian Rohloff, Textron’s senior v-p for global customer support. “This investment will grow our capacity and help us to better assist customers with scheduled maintenance, modifications, and aircraft-on-ground support.”
The company operates a global aircraft support network with nearly 3,000 staff and 50 mobile service units, consisting of “Go Teams” that can be sent to support operators locally. In addition to Melbourne, Textron Aviation also has Asia-Pacific service centers at Gold Coast Airport (YBCG) in Queensland, Perth’s Jandakot Airport (YPJT), and Singapore Seletar Airport (WSSL).

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.

Textron Expands Asia Pac Aircraft Support with Expanded Melbourne Base

Enlarged and modernized Australian maintenance facility is set to open in early 2026

Textron Aviation is expanding its service center at Essendon Fields Airport in Melbourne, Australia, to improve support for Asia-Pacific aircraft operators.

Textron Expands Asia Pac MRO Support at Melbourne Base

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

Sarah Rose

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.

Increasing demand drove move to add technicians and another hangar

Thornton Aviation Expands Burbank Maintenance Services

Matt Thurber

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

Software helps aircraft operators manage the minimum equipment list process

TrustFlight Signs Heartland Aviation for MEL Manager

Curt Epstein

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.

A new service center is expected to open in Dubai next year

Liebherr Expands Middle East Component Service Options

AmyWilder

New facility eliminates the need to fly aircraft to Europe for livery work

Satys Unveils New Aircraft Painting Facility in Dubai

Richard Pedicini

New developments at FBOs including regulations and noise issues; legal disputes; openings, acquisitions and mergers.

In this article

Textron Aviation

More In Maintenance and Modifications

Thornton Aviation Expands Burbank Maintenance Services

Increasing demand drove move to add technicians and another hangar

TrustFlight Signs Heartland Aviation for MEL Manager

Software helps aircraft operators manage the minimum equipment list process

Liebherr Expands Middle East Component Service Options

A new service center is expected to open in Dubai next year

Satys Unveils New Aircraft Painting Facility in Dubai

New facility eliminates the need to fly aircraft to Europe for livery work

Brazil’s Lider Pivots at Congonhas, Expands at Sorocaba

Business aircraft services company has to move from its longtime hangar at the São Paulo airport

Precision Aircraft Management Digitizes Records with Bluetail

Bluetail’s cloud-based solution streamlines operations and maintenance

Aviation Partners’ Winglet Installation Network Expands

Three MRO providers join the Aviation Partners network

Atlantic Jet Partners Buys Component MRO Specialist

Plans call for growing the services provided by the combined companies

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