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

Ground handling and security services at London Oxford Airport (EGTK) will be conducted by aviation services group Unifi under new contracts announced on Wednesday. Unifi is responsible for ramp operations and fueling as of April 15, and from May 1, it will also be in charge of all aspects of security at the UK airport.
This is the first time privately-owned London Oxford Airport has put an external company in charge of security and ramp operations. Unifi will be responsible for year-round security cover, including ID center management, access control, passenger screening, and visitor and delivery coordination.
The contracts were awarded to the U.S.-based group’s Unifi Aviation UK subsidiary, which already owns Up &amp; Away, an aircraft cleaning and detailing business that serves operators at Oxford and other British airports. It is Unifi’s first contract in the business aviation sector, building on its experience with scheduled airline operations at 220 airports, including 20 sites in the UK.
Unifi is recruiting 35 staff for ramp handling and security operations as it takes over responsibility from the airport’s owner. Ramp services will be branded as London Oxford Airport powered by Unifi.
“We are pleased to welcome Unifi as our first ever outsourced ground handling partner since launching executive aviation activity with [UK-regulated] security compliance for passengers and baggage in 2008,” said Kris Black, London Oxford Airport’s operations director.

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

UK’s London Oxford Airport Outsources Handling and Security to Unifi

U.S.-based aviation services group is already present at 220 airports

U.S. aviation services group Unifi is starting its first handling and security operation for business aviation under new contracts with London Oxford Airport.

Oxford Airport Outsources Handling, Security to Unifi

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

Hanneke Weitering

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.

Proposed vertiport locations include three Manhattan helipads and six airports

Archer and United Reveal New York City eVTOL Network

Curt Epstein

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.

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.

$30 million facility will allow KBLV to receive more international flights

St. Louis-area Airport Building a Major CBP Facility

Kerry Lynch

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

ASCE aviation rating remained unchanged from its last report in 2021

Engineering Org Grades U.S. Aviation Infrastructure a D+

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

Partners say they are working on projects in Oman and the UAE

Lyte, Bluenest, and LynePorts Form Team To Develop Middle East Vertiports

UAS participates in the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Reimbursable Services Program at 30 airports

UAS Adds Five Airports to Its U.S. Customs Program

Matt Thurber

News and issues regarding all manner of civil and military rotorcraft and their powerplants, including helicopters, tilt rotors and unmanned air vehicles.

More helicopter operations and growth in the area prompted the expansion

Garland/DFW Heliport Expands with New Landing Pad

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

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

Ground Handlers Must Comply with New EASA Regulations

Amy Wilder

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.

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