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

Oriens Aviation is preparing to add more aircraft to its managed fleet as the company marks its 10th anniversary by moving into expanded hangar facilities at London Biggin Hill Airport (EGKB). An additional Pilatus PC-12 turboprop single is about to be added to its air operator certificate. This will be deployed on air ambulance flights and will soon be joined by the company’s first PC-24 jet, which will be available for charter bookings.
The UK-based business aviation services group is an established authorized service center for Pilatus and Italian aircraft manufacturer Tecnam. Since mid-2022, the company has also provided support for Cirrus Aircraft’s customers.
Over the past decade, the Oriens engineering team has logged almost 100,000 hours of maintenance work on a variety of light jets and turboprops, responding to an average of four aircraft-on-the-ground situations each month. It has supported aircraft on six separate national registries, including one model operator for military special missions.
Having opened in 2015 with a single employee, Oriens now has 43 people on the payroll, engaged in activities that also include aircraft sales. Over the past decade, the company has handled around 70 aircraft transactions.
The relationship with Pilatus has been the bedrock of the Oriens business model. This year, at least six PC-24s are scheduled to arrive at Biggin Hill for annual inspections, and the company recently helped a UK operator increase its fleet to include multiple PC-12s and a PC-24. Oriens itself also operates a HondaJet, which it flies privately for the owner.
Edwin Brenninkmeyer, who earned his private pilot’s license at the age of 17, founded the company. He serves as an ambassador for Aerobility, a charity that teaches disabled pilots to fly, and Oriens also provides PC-12 flights for terminally ill children and their families through the Fly2Help organization.
“We have made great strides over the past decade and I want to thank our fantastic team of exceptional employees for their continued support and dedication,” Brenninkmeyer commented. “We are now in a strong position for the next ten years to take advantage of some significant advancements in aviation technology coming to market. We are following these developments with great interest.”

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.

Oriens Aviation Marks Anniversary by Growing Managed Aircraft Fleet

Business aviation services group also provides maintenance and aircraft sales support 

Ten years after its launch, Oriens Aviation has moved into expanded hangar space at London Biggin Hill Airport as its fleet and maintenance activities grow.

Oriens Marks Anniversary by Growing Managed Fleet

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News and issues concerning general aviation, specifically airplanes and helicopters powered by piston and alternative engines (i.e., non-turbine powered aircraft). Subjects include aircraft, engines, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security and training.

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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.

Digitizing logbooks preserves critical aircraft information 

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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 developments about aircraft engines, including turbofan, turboprop, turboshaft and piston.

Work was required under a service bulletin issued by engine manufacturer GE Aerospace 

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Sarah Rose

Increasing demand drove move to add technicians and another hangar

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

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

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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

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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.

In this article

Pilatus PC-12 Series

Pilatus PC-24

HondaJet HA-420 Series

Pilatus Aircraft

Honda Aircraft

More In Maintenance and Modifications

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Digitizing logbooks preserves critical aircraft information

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Work was required under a service bulletin issued by engine manufacturer GE Aerospace

Thornton Aviation Expands Burbank Maintenance Services

Increasing demand drove move to add technicians and another hangar

Textron Expands Asia Pac MRO Support at Melbourne Base

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

TrustFlight Signs Heartland Aviation for MEL Manager

Software helps aircraft operators manage the minimum equipment list process

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

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

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