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 UAE’s General Civil Aviation Authority has issued a design organization approval to Dubai-based Falcon Technic. According to the company, it is the first local organization to receive this approval without already holding the equivalent authorization from a foreign regulator, such as EASA.
This approval means Falcon Technic’s maintenance, repair and overhaul facility is authorized to design and approve minor modifications and repairs for both airplanes and helicopters. This could include refurbishments to cabin interiors, including furnishings, as well as some exterior upgrades such as new paint schemes.
According to Falcon Technic, it is now in the process of earning a production organization approval that would allow it to both design and manufacture parts under the GCAA’s supervision. It also intends to seek similar approvals from EASA.
This week, GCAA officials issued a UAE air operator certificate to Falcon sister company Alex Jet Aviation Services. Thus, the company can now provide charter flights on behalf of the business aviation services group’s Falcon Luxe brand from its main base at Dubai Al Maktoum International Airport (OMDW).

News and issues about aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), covering all segments of the aviation industry; and modifications for aircraft and engines. Subjects include product support of aircraft, engines and avionics, MRO company mergers, acquisitions, announcements and personnel, Airworthiness Directives, Supplemental Type Certificate approvals and other topics.

Falcon Technic Earns UAE Design Organization Approval

Dubai-based sister company Alex Jet now holds a UAE air operator certificate

The Dubai-based Falcon business aviation services group this week expanded its UAE authorizations to include design organization approval and a local AOC.  

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

David Donald

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.

Airbus and Embraer are proposing extensive industrial packages for Emirati companies

UAE Airlifter Hopefuls Court Local Companies

Charlotte Bailey

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.

AMAC's Bodrum facility now supports Turkish carrier SunExpress

AMAC Joins ACJ Service Center Network 

Matt Thurber

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.

MRO provider extends support for components and aircraft systems

 Lufthansa Technik Extends and Adds Support Agreements

Jessica Reed

News and developments about aircraft engines, including turbofan, turboprop, turboshaft and piston.

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.

Maintenance equipment provider will triple footprint to serve Middle East and Africa markets

Dedienne Aerospace To Expand Dubai Hub in 2026

Use of sensor data helps airline reduce unscheduled maintenance events and downtime

Qatar Airways Selects Collins Ascentia for 787s

New developments and products in avionics, specifically about aircraft electronics in the cockpit.

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.

Investments at its Basel HQ and beyond have expanded the group’s bandwidth

AMAC Boosts MRO Capabilities To Meet Rising Demand

Airline is adding 10 more of the E2 aircraft to its Africa-based fleet

Airlink Signs for E195-E2 Component Pool Support

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.

Dubai Airshow 2025

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