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

Private flight membership group Hans Jet is touting the fact that its Pilatus PC-12 turboprop singles will avoid the UK’s new higher rates of air passenger duty (APD) that take effect from April 2027. With an mtow of 4.7 tonnes, the aircraft fall beneath the 5.7-tonne (12,570-pound) threshold at which steep increases in tax will begin.
From April this year, the UK government is increasing APD by 50% for aircraft weighing 20 tonnes or higher with fewer than 19 passenger seats. The changes <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/air-transport/2025-11-27/aviation-groups-protest-uk-air-passenger-duty-change">have been opposed</a> by the British Business &amp; General Aviation Association and The Air Charter Association.
Under the increases in April 2026, the top rate of APD per passenger will range from around £142 ($194) for a domestic charter flight in the UK to £1,141 for a long-haul trip greater than 5,500 miles. The key change for next year is to lower the weight threshold to 5.7 tonnes, which would impact some light jet models such as the Embraer Phenom 300, but not the smaller Phenom 100.
Malta-based Hans Jet operates a fleet of PC-12s that offers both fractional ownership terms and fixed flight-hour rates for members starting at €4,950 ($5,880). “Our members will continue flying at fixed hourly rates, completely insulated from the regulatory cost pressures affecting heavier aircraft,” said the company’s managing director, Eric Weisskopf.
Several other European operators offer PC-12s for charter services. In the UK itself, these include Oriens Aviation, SkyCare, and ASG Aviation, with other options being Jetfly (Luxembourg), Fly7 Executive Aviation (Switzerland), and Silver Flight (the Netherlands).
The Dutch government recently confirmed a <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/business-aviation/2025-12-02/ebaa-opposes-dutch-tax-business-jet-charter-flights">new passenger tax</a> to be introduced from Jan. 1, 2027, for charter flights in all aircraft with 19 passenger seats or fewer, regardless of weight. This is similar to the so-called “solidarity tax” in France, which is already impacting charter operators.

Issues regarding financing of aircraft; aviation insurance; tax issues for aircraft operators; new companies and people in the aviation financing and insurance industries.

Air Charter Operator: Pilatus PC-12 Avoids Higher UK Passenger Tax Rates

Malta-based Hans Jet is one of several operators with the Pilatus turboprop

With higher passenger duties to apply for charter flights in smaller aircraft from April 2027, Pilatus PC-12 operators are set to enjoy a competitive advantage.

Air Charter Operator: PC-12 Avoids Higher UK Tax Rates

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

Amy Wilder

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.

Pre-tax earnings for service group climb 20.6%

NetJets, FlightSafety Revenue Rises in First-half 2026

Hanneke Weitering

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

Financing supports Eco Caravan certification and hybrid-electric APU development

Ampaire Raises $19 Million for Hybrid-electric Airplanes

Kerry Lynch

Moody's assigned a Ba2 credit rating, up from Ba3, while maintaining a positive outlook

Moody's Upgrades Bombardier as Balance Sheet Improves

Matt Thurber

News and information on safety procedures and concerns.

Decision support system helps pilots assess risks up to 14 days ahead of planned flight

PlaneWX Pilots Save with 5X5 Insurance Safety Rewards

Component sales boosted Beta’s second-quarter revenue

Beta Is Turning Its eVTOL Competitors into Customers

UK group says it will complete Valo eVTOL’s critical design review this year 

Vertical Extends Cash Runway with Fresh eVTOL Funding 

Buyers urged to seek guidance, consider financing before finding an aircraft

IADA Panel: Financing Has Evolved Beyond a Buying Tool

Howard Hardee

News and issues relating to civil and military unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS) of all kinds and sizes, including those used for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR), combat (unmanned combat air vehicles, or UCAVs), law enforcement, research and other applications. Of particular focus is the FAA's planned integration of UAS into the U.S. national airspace system.

In this article

Pilatus PC-12 Series

Pilatus Aircraft

More In Finance, Taxes, Insurance