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

Rolls-Royce is the world’s leading engine supplier in business aviation, powering some of the largest, fastest, and longest-range business jets available. Rolls-Royce powers aircraft built by Bombardier, Cessna, Embraer and Gulfstream. Our products and services include the Pearl, BR725, BR710, AE3007, Tay, Spey, MR&O, and CorporateCare® Enhanced, the leading solution for engine care. This maintenance program offers increased asset liquidity, nacelle coverage and complete engine management, from line maintenance to shop visits. CorporateCare Enhanced, the comprehensive, fixed-cost engine maintenance management plan, provides customers with a global support infrastructure which includes: Engine Health Monitoring, a worldwide network of Authorised Service Centres and globally distributed spare parts and engines, all managed by our dedicated 24/7 Business Aircraft Availability Centre.

The UK’s Aerospace Technology Institute (ATI) has honored half a dozen companies and projects for their contributions to technology and innovation. The awards, which were handed out at the ATI conference last week, specifically highlighted contributions to achieving net-zero carbon in aviation, as well as teamwork and collaboration.
ZeroAvia won in the Project of the Year category for its <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/news-article/2024-03-13/zeroavia-concludes-first-flight-test-campaign-hydrogen-powered-dornier-228">HyFlyer II program</a> to convert existing regional airliners to hydrogen propulsion. The team award went to the Ascend project, led by <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/air-transport/2023-06-19/gkn-spends-big-chase-netzero-technology-leadership-role">GKN Aerospace</a>, which is focused on accelerating the use of composite materials and other new manufacturing processes to support a new generation of more energy-efficient aircraft.
The Shaping the Future award went to eVTOL aircraft developer <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/futureflight/2024-09-12/vertical-completes-first-phase-vx4-evtol-flight-testing">Vertical Aerospace</a>. The judges recognized the Bristol-based company’s advances in the application of battery technology, and also its emphasis on supporting the UK supply chain.
Adaptix took the Innovation Award for its robot-mounted 3D X-ray digital inspection technology, which has been developed with Cranfield University to inspect aerostructures on the factory floor. Sensor Coating Systems received the Making the Difference Award for its technology for measuring temperatures of up to 1,500 degrees C with an accuracy of plus or minus 25 degrees. ToffeeX won the Breakthrough Award for its work on heat exchangers to improve thermal management.
High commended recognition also went to the following: Rolls-Royce (for running its Pearl business aircraft <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/news-article/2023-09-26/rolls-royce-achieves-max-takeoff-thrust-hydrogen-powered-pearl-engine">engine on hydrogen</a>); the University of Sheffield’s Advanced Manufacturing Research Center (for its Automated Visual Grain Inspection collaboration with Rolls-Royce); the Ecotool project led by Pentaxia and the Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (for low-energy, large composite manufacturing technology); Sora Aviation (for its 30-seat eVTOL aircraft concept); the Optimised Composite Wing and Aerostructures project lead by Spirit AeroSystems’s Belfast unit; and the HiClass and Reinstate teams, led by Rolls-Royce and partners (for work on airborne security; safety-critical software; and maintenance, repair, and overhaul solutions); and the UK Civil Aviation Authority’s Hydrogen Challenge.
According to ATI's chief relationships officer, Sophie Lane, the judges' scoring was very tight, with just one point separating some of the final scores.&nbsp;

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

Aerospace Technology Institute Awards Honor Green Aviation Innovators 

ZeroAvia, Vertical Aerospace, and Rolls-Royce were among the award winners

The UK's Aerospace Technology Institute's annual conference included an awards event to honor new breakthroughs and collaboration.

Aerospace Technology Institute Awards Honor Innovators 

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

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

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.

A new international section of the website will feature content from national associations

Climbing Fast Bizav Advocacy Initiative Goes Global

Amy Wilder

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.

Research aircraft targets convection-driven wave activity

HIAPER Gulfstream V To Track Gravity Waves Over Iowa

Curt Epstein

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

News and developments about aviation fuel, including jet fuel, aviation gasoline, and biofuel.

The FBO at Hong Kong International Airport is now stocking SAF

HKBAC Brings Sustainable Aviation Fuel to Hong Kong

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.

Focus of research and development work will shift to ground-based testbed for thin wings

Boeing and NASA Shelve X-66 Sustainable Flight Demonstrator

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

Through a Delta Air Lines deal, its charter customers can now book SAF anywhere

Wheels Up Adds SAF Option for Charter Customers

Green Fuel Forward aims to spur demand for SAF

New Sustainable Aviation Fuel Initiative Targets APAC

Sarah Rose

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.

Program offers clients verifiable offsets

Tamarack Aerospace Launches Carbon Offset Option

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

In this article

GKN Aerospace

Rolls-Royce

Vertical Aerospace

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