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

UAE investment group Tariq Al Futtaim this week confirmed plans to build several hangars for private aircraft in the Mohammed bin Rashid Aerospace Hub at Dubai Al Maktoum International Airport (OMDW). Announcing the development yesterday at the Dubai Airshow, the company said the new facilities will be managed by aircraft management and charter group Empire Aviation.
The project is being managed by Jet Park Investment, which is a subsidiary of Tariq Al Futtaim, a privately owned venture focused on real estate, technology, energy, education, and mobility. Project partners did not specify how many hangars will be built, what size they will be, or when they will be ready for use, but did confirm that ground support and light maintenance will be available for aircraft.
Empire Aviation will use the facility to accommodate aircraft that are part of its managed fleet and also those of third-party operators. Earlier this month, the <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/business-aviation/2025-11-11/empire-builds-dubai-hq-meet-growing-private-jet-demand">Dubai-based company</a> said it planned to open a new headquarters in the second half of 2026.
Founded in 2007, Empire operates 25 privately owned aircraft, with around one third of these available for charter flights. Included in the fleet is a mix of Gulfstream G700s, G600s, and G280s, as well as several Bombardier Global XRSs, an Airbus Corporate Jet, and an Embraer Legacy 650.

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

UAE Investor Tariq Al Futtaim To Build More Private Jet Hangars in Dubai

The new hangars will be managed by aircraft management group Empire Aviation

Tariq Al Futtaim confirmed plans to build an unspecified number of private aircraft hangars at Dubai’s Al Maktoum International Airport.

UAE Investors To Build More Private Jet Hangars in Dubai

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

Curt Epstein

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.

The city is eyeing the airport's 450 waterfront acres for redevelopment

AOPA Joins Cleveland Burke Lakefront Airport Closure Battle

Multi-million dollar inspection post is expected to open in late 2026

Minneapolis-St. Paul Airport Breaks Ground on CBP Facility

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

First two facilities being built for eVTOL air taxis will be ready in the first quarter of 2026

Abu Dhabi Airports and Skyports Confirm Vertiport Plans 

News about commercial airlines, including regulations, aircraft orders, safety, acquisitions, and mergers.

News and information about crew, passenger, aircraft and airport security issues.

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.

Fast-growing Middle East airlines and airports need more bandwidth

SITA Taps Tech To Unlock Air Transport Growth Blocks

Matt Thurber

News and issues concerning general aviation, specifically airplanes and helicopters powered by piston and alternative engines (i.e., non-turbine powered aircraft). Subjects include aircraft, engines, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security and training.

Government shutdown has led to FAA restrictions on airport access

AOPA Decries ‘Blanket Exclusion’ of Genav Operations

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

Dubai Airshow 2025

More In Airports

AOPA Joins Cleveland Burke Lakefront Airport Closure Battle

The city is eyeing the airport's 450 waterfront acres for redevelopment

Minneapolis-St. Paul Airport Breaks Ground on CBP Facility

Multi-million dollar inspection post is expected to open in late 2026

Abu Dhabi Airports and Skyports Confirm Vertiport Plans

First two facilities being built for eVTOL air taxis will be ready in the first quarter of 2026

SITA Taps Tech To Unlock Air Transport Growth Blocks

Fast-growing Middle East airlines and airports need more bandwidth

AOPA Decries ‘Blanket Exclusion’ of Genav Operations

Government shutdown has led to FAA restrictions on airport access

Slot Shortfall Shuts Business Jets Out of Lisbon Airport

Web Summit show demand causes capacity overload at Portugal's main airport

Archer Aviation To Take Over Socal’s Hawthorne Airport

eVTOL aircraft developer holds the master lease and an option to buy FBO

Taxiway Repairs Spur Overnight Runway Closures at KVNY

The $19 million project will run through February

AIN Products

SUBSCRIPTIONS

RESOURCES

ABOUT AIN