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

Even before the Iran war started, the Middle East accounted for 40% of security support requests fielded by MedAire, according to data recently released by the operational support group. Last year, client trips to Africa and South Asia accounted for a further 25% and 20%, respectively, of security requests, based on access to MedAire’s security teams and the use of its on-demand intelligence portal.
Data also showed an 18.6% increase in requests for the passenger fit-to-fly&nbsp;medical assessment service that the company offers, which now account for almost half of all cases handled. There was an 18.3% increase in musculoskeletal issues associated with the requests, with gastrointestinal (21.9%) and neurological (12.7%) cases also prevalent.&nbsp;
However, MedAire reported that dermatological issues were the fastest-growing area of concern for the aircraft operators it supports. So the company has created a specific support category for cosmetic surgery to take account of the rising number of cases, especially due to growing demand for medical tourism.
During 2025, 1.68% of flights supported by MedAire resulted in a diversion for medical reasons, which the company said cost operators between $15,000 and $200,000 per incident. For cardiovascular episodes, the diversion rate was 6.8%. MedAire’s remote medical experts help air crew determine whether a diversion is required.

News and information on safety procedures and concerns.

MedAire Reports Uptick in Flight Security and Medical Support Requests

Last year, the Middle East was already generating the highest level of security concerns

MedAire released data showing shifts in trends for the security and medical support requests it fields from aircraft operators to protect passengers and crew.

MedAire Reports Uptick in Security and Medical Support

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

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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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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.

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.

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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.

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News about significant aircraft accidents and information from accident reports.

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

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News about environmental issues relating to aircraft operations, including noise issues, emissisions, and regulations. See Fuel for biofuel.

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.

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