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

Flight support group Hadid International has a new U.S. operations office to boost services for customers in North and South America. The company’s hub at Houston William P. Hobby Airport (KHOU) was opened earlier this year inside the Galaxy FBO terminal.
According to Moaiad Shammout, the Dubai-based group’s regional director for the Americas, its expanded presence in the U.S. allows it to get closer to customers in that market. The company already has an established sales force in the Texas city, and they are now supporting an operations team that is expected to grow.
Established in 1981, Hadid specializes in tasks such as securing overflight and landing permits, as well as arranging refueling and ground handling. It has a strong presence in markets such as the Middle East, Africa, and Asia, where there is limited support infrastructure.
As part of efforts to make its services more accessible to clients, the company has integrated the Leon software tool with its own Compass customer support portal. This is intended to make it easier for operators to access key data such as flight briefs, visa documentation, and fuel releases.
Hadid also offers clients access to the FuelerLinx aviation fuel-planning and tankering software that helps to automate the fuel supply process. Another partnership with G3 Global Services supports clients in securing visas through the company’s 62 offices worldwide.
Shammout said Hadid is seeing increased business aircraft traffic into and within Saudi Arabia in response to growing economic opportunities in the country and across the wider Middle East region. Demand for flight support has also been increasing in India, he added.
Meanwhile, the first students began classes last month at the Intercontinental Aviation Academy GCC, which Hadid launched in February through a partnership with Intercontinental Aviation Enterprise. The college, which is located at Ras Al Khaimah International Airport (OMRK) in United Arab Emirates, is focused on providing operational training for aviation personnel, including pilots, cabin crew, and flight-support teams. The facility includes flight simulators and Diamond DA40 training aircraft.

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

Hadid Establishes U.S. Business Aviation Flight Support Operations Center 

Team at Houston’s Hobby Airport will provide closer support for U.S. operators

Dubai-based flight support group Hadid International is boosting its presence in the U.S. market with the opening of an operations office in Houston, Texas.

Hadid Establishes U.S. Flight Support Operations Center 

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

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

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.

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