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

A two-day strike by some French air traffic controllers on Thursday and Friday has caused the cancellation of at least 40% of flights to and from the country’s airports. France’s DGAC aviation safety agency ordered a reduction in movements at Paris-area airports, including the business aviation hub at Le Bourget (LFPB), and traffic has also been severely disrupted in Nice, Lyon, Marseille and Montpellier.
Only 270 of around 1,400 French controllers joined the work stoppage. According to the UNSA-ICNA and USAC-CGT trade unions, the action has been taken to protest against what they say are unacceptable working conditions and understaffing. France’s transport minister Philippe Tabarot condemned the strike, which has disrupted the start of the country’s summer vacation season, as well as causing wider problems for airlines operating in other parts of Europe.
According to the ground-handling team at ExecuJet's FBO at LFPB, there were no movements at the facility on either strike day, with 22 customer flights canceled. The company said operations resumed on Saturday.
Signature Aviation confirmed that French authorities instructed that all nonscheduled "public air transport" flights using aircraft with less than 19 seats or with an mtow less than 22,000 pounds should not operate in the Paris terminal maneuvering area. A notam issued as the strike action started also instructed operators to cancel all private flights, with the exception of those associated with medical emergencies, search and rescue, firefighting, and other government missions.
The striking controllers were based at air traffic management facilities in Marseille, Brest, and Reims. Hundreds of scheduled flights were cancelled by operators, resulting in passengers being stranded at airports and facing long delays.

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

French Controllers Strike Disrupts Flights at Multiple Airports

Aviation safety agency ordered cancellation of at least 40% of flights

Business aviation traffic at airports including Paris Le Bourget and Nice-Cote d'Azur has been impacted by a two-day strike by French air traffic controllers.

French Controllers Strike Disrupts Traffic at Multiple Airports

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

Kerry Lynch

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.

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.

Duffy says FAA needs $31.5 billion to completely upgrade ATC

DOT Chief Continues Push for More ATC Funding

Lawmakers and aviation leaders aligned on ATC modernization

Aviation Stakeholders Eye Funding Needs for ATC Overhaul

FAA has issued a request for information on potential modernization integrator

DOT Meets with Stakeholders To Map Out Modernization

Curt Epstein

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

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.

The project wrapped two weeks early after 24/7 effort

Conclusion of KEWR Runway Rehab Could Ease Traffic Woes

News about environmental issues relating to aircraft operations, including noise issues, emissisions, and regulations. See Fuel for biofuel.

Aircraft operators will be charged a new fee to support the work

Redesign of UK Airspace Will Start with London Airports

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.

Bolen said system needs addition $18.5 billion over three years

ATC Modernization Becomes Urgent Focus of FAA Reauthorization

Amy Wilder

News and information on safety procedures and concerns.

Predictive engine designed to support tower situational awareness

NoamAI Launches Artificial Intelligence ATC Assistant

Hanneke Weitering

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.

More In ATC