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 group Flexjet is relocating the base for its European helicopter operations to the Blackbushe Airport (EGLK) in the UK. The site will be used to support shuttle flight services for customers arriving and departing on airplanes at the nearby Farnborough Airport and other London-area airports such as Biggin Hill, Luton, and Stansted.
Flexjet’s fleet of Sikorsky S-76 and Agusta AW139 helicopters are now operating from a hangar at Blackbushe, which is in the process of implementing a <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/business-aviation/2026-07-31/blackbushe-invests-alternative-uk-bizav-gateway">$20 million upgrade</a> to attract business aviation traffic. The operator is considering plans to move other managed helicopters to the site.
“We’re excited to be establishing Blackbushe as&nbsp;the&nbsp;new home of our UK helicopter operation,” said Flexjet Vertical Lift president Eli Flint. “The location works extremely well alongside our expanding presence at nearby Farnborough Airport and keeps us ideally positioned within our UK rotary service area.&nbsp;We’re making good progress with&nbsp;the&nbsp;new facility and are excited about what it will enable us to offer our customers and crews as we approach&nbsp;the&nbsp;official launch&nbsp;later this year.”
According to sources close to the development speaking with AIN on condition of anonymity, Flexjet came close to relocating <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/business-aviation/2023-03-24/flexjet-expands-helicopter-operations-europe">the rotorcraft operation </a>to Fairoaks Airport (EGTF) before opting for Blackbushe. Fairoaks is slightly closer to London but farther from Farnborough.

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

Flexjet Bases European Helicopter Fleet at Blackbushe Airport in the UK

S-76s and AW139s will carry passengers to and from London-area airports

Flexjet Europe is basing its helicopter fleet at Blackbushe in the UK from where it will provide shuttle flights to and from other London-area airports.

Flexjet Bases European Helicopter Fleet at Blackbushe

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

Kerry Lynch

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.

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.

Neither FAA nor Congress appear open to helping Cleveland expedite airport closure

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Amy Wilder

Restriction targets individual pilots, not the operator or aircraft

Haneda Plans Three-strikes Rule To Bench Errant Pilots

Groups point to $195 million in economic contribution

Local Groups Band Together To Support Lakefront Airport

Curt Epstein

Project is expected to take a month, starting in mid-September

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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.

Operators can still call FBOs to confirm fees

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News and issues concerning the aviation charter and fractional-ownership industries and markets, including company announcements, regulations, new developments and labor issues.

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

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