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

BellAir this week rebranded as Jet Excellence following its recent acquisition of Red Wing Aeroplane from the Vista Global group. The U.S. charter operator announced the move on Monday, saying that the deal adds 19 Cessna Citation X aircraft to its fleet, with further additions planned over the next 12 to 24 months.
Wheels Up executives Michael Vargo and Zach Palmer are joining Jet Excellence to serve, respectively, as chief operating officer and vice president of commercial strategy. Vargo previously led Citation X operator Mountain Aviation and is now leading the operational integration of the Bell Air and Red Wing fleets at the rebranded group’s base at Raleigh Executive Jetport in North Carolina.
BellAir started operations in 2013 with a single Gulfstream G200 and in 2018 was acquired by McQueen Campbell, who is founder, CEO and chairman of Jet Excellence. By 2022 the operator, which provides supplementary lift to private flight providers including Wheels Up, Sentient, Jet Linx and Delta Private Jets, had more than 10 aircraft in its fleet and in 2024 it took a strategic decision to focus on the Citation X.
“By acquiring Red Wing and expanding our Citation X fleet, we’re bringing speed, scale and reliability together under one brand,” said Campbell, who has conducted over 80 aircraft transactions in his career. “We are now positioned to deliver a best-in-class charter experience with a singular operational standard.”
Jet Excellence said it will provide a mix of aircraft management and wholesale charter services. In Raleigh, it has its own maintenance facility to support the fleet.
“We are scaling high-performance flight operations centered around safety, reliability,” Vargo commented. “The addition of Citation Xs to the Jet Excellence portfolio enables us to focus on a single-type, super-mid program and unlock multiple value streams.”
The Citation X can carry up to 12 passengers with a range of up to 3,460 nm and a top speed of 536 knots. Textron ended production in 2018 after delivering 338 aircraft, including 29 of the Citation X+ model it had introduced in 2012. Major fleet operators for the type have included Wheels Up, NetJets, XO Jet and AirX Charter.
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News and issues concerning the aviation charter and fractional-ownership industries and markets, including company announcements, regulations, new developments and labor issues.

Charter Group BellAir Rebrands As Jet Excellence After Red Wing Acquisition

Operator has added 19 Cessna Citation X jets to its fleet

Jet Excellence is the new name for U.S. Citation X charter operator BellAir, which has boosted its management team with senior hires from Wheels Up.

BellAir Rebrands As Jet Excellence After Red Wing Deal

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

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

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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