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

The European Business Aviation Association (EBAA) has postponed an announcement on the future location and dates for its EBACE trade show until the end of July. On Monday, the industry group said that Stefan Benz, its newly appointed interim managing director, is taking more time “to review the event’s future set-up.”
On Friday, the EBAA board appointed Benz to <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/business-aviation/2025-06-27/ebaa-exec-shakeup-comes-cusp-ebace-2026-decision">replace Holger Krahmer</a>, who stepped down from his role as secretary general with immediate effect. The Brussels-based group said that its COO, Robert Baltus, had resigned and will leave his post later this year.
In May, during the EBACE 2025 show in Geneva, EBAA said that it would make an announcement about a new location and dates for the event on June 30. At the time, it said the decision would be based on extensive consultation with members and other stakeholders.
Announcing the deferred decision on Monday, EBAA said Benz and the board, which includes representatives of multiple national business aviation associations, will now seek to ensure that EBACE aligns with “the association’s evolving strategic priorities.” The group indicated that the announcement now expected in a month from now will not purely relate to the 2026 event and will aim “to confirm the long-term format and positioning of the show.”
The future of the annual EBACE event, launched in 2001, has been under review since August 2024 when <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/business-aviation/2024-08-19/ebaa-goes-it-alone-ebace-show-after-nbaa-sells-stake">NBAA unexpectedly pulled out</a> of its long-standing joint venture with EBAA. The European group has acknowledged that it is considering other venues in multiple countries, in part due to complaints about high costs in Geneva. Although it did not feature the usual static display, the 2025 show received largely positive feedback for its new format.
According to sources close to the association who spoke with AIN on condition of anonymity, the EBAA board has tasked Benz with making the group leaner and more agile. In a desire to achieve more fundamental reforms, directors consciously changed the new leader’s title to managing director to reflect a preference for a more business-focused manager who would have a strong grounding in the business aviation industry.
Benz is a former senior executive with the Jet Aviation and Luxaviation business aviation services groups. Krahmer, a former German politician, had joined EBAA after working as a lobbyist for the car industry.

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.

EBAA Defers Announcement on EBACE Show’s Future until Late July

Interim managing director Stefan Benz will take more time to consider long-term options

An eagerly awaited announcement about the future of the EBACE business aviation show has been pushed back to the end of July in the wake of leadership changes.

Decision on EBACE Show’s Future Deferred until Late July

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

Hanneke Weitering

FlyNYON will offer aerial photography flights on Beta’s Alia 250 eVTOL aircraft

NYC Helitour Operator FlyNYON Orders Beta’s eVTOL Aircraft

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.

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.

Get a glimpse of Qatar's unique interior appointments.

Step Aboard Qatar Executive's Gulfstream G700 Business Jet

Jilin signs preliminary purchase agreement for 41 EH216-S aircraft

EHang Plans Cold-weather eVTOL Trials in China’s Jilin Province

Republic Airways is the latest customer to receive an aircraft for testing.

Beta Technologies' Alia CX300 Electric Aircraft Debuts at Paris Air Show

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.

Competing against the Boeing 777, this airliner has a maximum capacity of 410 passengers.

Airbus A350-1000 Airliner Flies at the Paris Air Show

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.

More In Aircraft

NYC Helitour Operator FlyNYON Orders Beta’s eVTOL Aircraft

FlyNYON will offer aerial photography flights on Beta’s Alia 250 eVTOL aircraft

Step Aboard Qatar Executive's Gulfstream G700 Business Jet

Get a glimpse of Qatar's unique interior appointments.

EHang Plans Cold-weather eVTOL Trials in China’s Jilin Province

Jilin signs preliminary purchase agreement for 41 EH216-S aircraft

Beta Technologies' Alia CX300 Electric Aircraft Debuts at Paris Air Show

Republic Airways is the latest customer to receive an aircraft for testing.

Airbus A350-1000 Airliner Flies at the Paris Air Show

Competing against the Boeing 777, this airliner has a maximum capacity of 410 passengers.

Fouga CM170 Magister Flies at the Paris Air Show

This French classic is right at home at the Paris Air Show.

Embraer KC-390 Military Airlifter Flies at the Paris Airshow

Nations around the world have ordered the multirole aircraft.

Embraer E195-E2 Airliner Flies at the Paris Air Show

The regional airliner can seat up to 146 passengers.

AIN Products

SUBSCRIPTIONS

RESOURCES

ABOUT AIN