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

Bombardier manufactures a variety of business aircraft models, provides engineering, and aircraft maintenance services.

Charles Alcock

Private flight provider Wheels Up said the modernization of its fleet will be largely complete by the end of 2026 as part of a protracted initiative to achieve profitability. Third-quarter financial results announced today showed slightly higher net losses of $83.7 million for three months ending September 30 as the company absorbed non-recurring modernization expenses.
According to the Atlanta-based group, it is set to exceed its early goal for annual cost savings with a new target of $70 million that it aims to achieve by third-quarter 2026. Wheels Up CEO George Mattson said the savings will come from streamlining sales and operations teams, realising efficiencies from a simplified fleet with fewer aircraft types, and cutting overhead costs.
Revenues for the quarter were down 4% at $185.5 million due to the loss of income from its discontinued Connect and Pay-As-You-Fly programs. However, Wheels Up has been encouraged by the early response to the Signature Membership offering it launched on September 3, which represented 20% of block charter sales from then through October 31.
At the end of the quarter, the Wheels Up fleet included 19 Embraer Phenom 300s and five Bombardier Challenger 300s. The jets, which feature renewed cabin interiors and high-speed connectivity, are set to amount to half of the fleet by year-end, rising to 80% by the end of 2026.
<h2>More Phenoms and Challengers Coming</h2>
“In the year since our fleet modernization plan was announced, these premium aircraft have consistently outperformed the legacy fleet in operational reliability, customer feedback, and profitability—all trends that we expect to accelerate as continued to add to those fleets,” Mattson told AIN.
Signature Membership guarantees U.S. clients access to the Phenoms and Challengers. Under the Dynamic Plan, customers can book with flexible, demand driven pricing, while the Fixed Plan offers predictable hourly rates at all times.
According to Mattson, the new offering has better positioned Wheels Up to offer alternatives to fractional and whole aircraft ownership options for private travelers, including C-suite executives. The company pairs the Signature Membership benefits with access to premium scheduled services provided by its primary shareholder, Delta Air Lines.
Wheels Up said it has seen growth for on-demand private charter bookings. This includes flights arranged outside North America by its Air Partner brokering business unit, which has extensive experience of group charters and cargo services, as well as individual trips.
“The cross-sell growth reflects deeper engagement across our portfolio, while Delta-related growth highlights traction with corporate and travel agency clients,” Mattson commented. “We also continue to see steady growth from new customers, underscoring the expanding appeal of our on-demand offerings in private aviation.”

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In this article

Phenom 300/300E

Challenger 300/350/3500

Embraer Executive Aircraft

Bombardier

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