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

New European Union (EU) regulations governing ground handling start taking effect from March 27. Published by EASA on March 7, the rules&nbsp;combine safety requirements covering aircraft operations, airports, and cybersecurity. Aircraft ground-handling service providers will have to achieve full compliance within three years.
According to EASA, the new rules will be implemented by national aviation regulators, using a performance-based approach. Last week, the agency said it is committed to avoiding duplication of safety audits for handlers and reducing bureaucracy.
The regulations have been drawn up with input from national authorities, as well as handling companies, aircraft operators, airports, and trade unions. They cover passenger embarkation and disembarkation, aircraft turnarounds (including water and toilet servicing), deicing and anti-icing, and refueling.
“For this major area of aviation, EASA will now build further on the mature standards currently used in the industry,” said Jesper Rasmussen, EASA’s flight standards director. “With the new authority oversight, ground handlers become formally responsible for safe provision of services, relieving air operators of this obligation when operating from an EU aerodrome in the scope of EASA regulations.”
The <a href="https://www.easa.europa.eu/en/newsroom-and-events/press-releases/ground-handlings-importance-aviation-safety-recognised-new-rules?utm_campaign=d-20250312&amp;utm_term=pro&amp;mtm_source=notifications&amp;mtm_medium=email&amp;utm_content=title&amp;mtm_placement=content&amp;mtm_group=easa_press_release">new rules</a> combine Commission Delegated Regulation 2025/20 covering requirements for companies and organizations and Commission Implementing Regulation 2025/23 covering oversight by competent authorities.

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

Aircraft Ground Handlers Must Comply with New EASA Regulations

Handlers, aircraft operators, and airports have three years to comply with new rules in Europe

EASA has pledged to reduce duplicated audits and bureaucracy as it revised safety regulations for ground handling at EU airports.

Ground Handlers Must Comply with New EASA Regulations

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

AmyWilder

News and issues relating to the aerospace industry that are related to the science, engineering and business of flight in space involving civil, industrial and military applications, and similar topics related to flight in the atmosphere of the Earth that are not covered more directly by other AINonline subject channels. In other words, both astronautical and aeronautical subjects, except for those aeronautical topics that are specifically covered elsewhere on this website.

Expansion will include new parallel runway, hotel, and parking upgrades

Perth Airport Partners with Bechtel for Major Expansion  

Chad Trautvetter

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 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.

City officials and FBOs pave the way to build infrastructure for eVTOL operations

Orlando Readies for Advanced Air Mobility Service in 2027

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

City-center eVTOL landing sites could be as small as one acre

FBO Chains Working To Build Vertiports for eVTOL Ops

eVTOL air service seen as a regional solution for Central Florida

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News, issues, personnel, equipment and developments about air traffic management.

Parking times will be reduced and slot delays of at least an hour should be expected

Operators Warned over Summer Restrictions in Athens

News and issues relating to civil and military unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS) of all kinds and sizes, including those used for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR), combat (unmanned combat air vehicles, or UCAVs), law enforcement, research and other applications. Of particular focus is the FAA's planned integration of UAS into the U.S. national airspace system.

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.

Applications for Powered by Collins program close on May 16

Collins Seeks Collaboration on Materials, Airport Ops and Navigation

Hanneke Weitering

Vertiport network would support eVTOL air taxi and drone operations in the UAE

Skyports Reveals Proposed Design for Abu Dhabi Vertiports

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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